- New study has analyzed US states to rank the ones with the most reckless drivers.
- California tops the list of the most reckless drivers, having severe issues with DUI arrests and fatal crashes.
- Arizona has the highest number of alcohol-related fatal crashes, totaling 3,143 incidents.
- North Dakota leads in DUI arrests, with a rate of 836 per 100K people.
A 2024 study by The Barnes Firm analyzed all 50 states to determine the ones with the most reckless drivers. The number of fatal crashes caused by distracted driving, speeding, and alcohol involvement was considered to rank the states. DUI arrests per 100K people, road rage prevalence, and the rate of uninsured drivers were also examined. These factors were normalized and weighted to reflect their impact on driving safety, resulting in a final composite score to rank each state.
US States |
Total Number of Licensed Drivers |
Number of Fatal Crashes Caused by Distracted Drivers, 2022 |
Number of Fatal Crashes Speeding Involved, 2022 |
Number of Fatal Crashes Alcohol Involved, 2022 |
DUI Arrests per 100K People |
Percentage of Drivers with Road Rage |
Rate of Uninsured Drivers |
Composite Score |
| California | 27,112,595 | 142 | 1,285 | 2,385 | 311 | 63.4 | 16.60% | 9.1 |
| Texas | 18,297,900 | 447 | 1,393 | 3,143 | 228.9 | 82.23 | 8.30% | 9.1 |
| Arizona | 5,795,216 | 63 | 376 | 737 | 344.8 | 100 | 11.80% | 8 |
| Florida | 16,144,302 | 250 | 341 | 1,580 | 156 | 59.52 | 20.40% | 7.1 |
| Colorado | 4,411,587 | 64 | 260 | 432 | 422 | 61.28 | 16.30% | 6.8 |
| Missouri | 4,275,228 | 80 | 329 | 494 | 303.7 | 59.47 | 16.40% | 6.8 |
| Ohio | 8,283,546 | 55 | 272 | 874 | 128.9 | 77.82 | 13.00% | 6.4 |
| New York | 11,879,057 | 120 | 373 | 605 | 136.7 | 65.32 | 4.10% | 6.3 |
| New Mexico | 1,477,213 | 173 | 160 | 255 | 198.7 | 23.35 | 21.80% | 6.2 |
| Alabama | 4,061,837 | 45 | 219 | 443 | 147.6 | 96.12 | 19.50% | 6.1 |
California
Ranks 1st for having the most reckless drivers, with a composite score of 9.1. The state leads in fatal crashes involving speeding, totaling 1,285, and alcohol-related incidents, with 2,385 fatalities. Additionally, DUI arrests are relatively high at 311 per 100K people, contributing to California’s hazardous driving conditions. California also leads in the number of licensed drivers, totaling more than 27,112,000.
Texas
It is 2nd with a composite score of 9.1. This high score is largely due to the state’s alarming number of alcohol-related fatal crashes, totaling 3,143—the highest in the nation. Additionally, Texas faces significant issues with road rage, impacting overall driving safety. The state also leads in fatal crashes caused by distracted drivers, with 447 incidents in 2022.
Arizona
Ranks 3rd for having the most reckless drivers, with a composite score of 8.0. The state experiences a high number of speeding-related fatal crashes at 376 and alcohol-involved crashes at 737. Arizona also has the highest percentage of drivers having road rage, further increasing the risk on its roads.
Florida
Comes 4th with a composite score of 7.1. The state has a significant number of fatal crashes caused by distracted drivers, totaling 250, and a high rate of uninsured drivers at 20.4%. These factors, combined with a notable level of road rage incidents, make Florida one of the states with the most dangerous drivers.
Colorado
Ranks 5th for having the most reckless drivers, with a composite score of 6.8. The state experiences a high number of DUI arrests at 422 per 100K people and a significant number of speeding-related fatal crashes at 260. Colorado also has a notable issue with alcohol-involved crashes, totaling 432.
Missouri
Ranks 6th for having the most reckless drivers, with a composite score of 6.8. The state has a high number of speeding-related fatal crashes at 329 and alcohol-involved crashes at 494. Missouri also faces issues with a significant percentage of uninsured drivers at 16.4%.
Ohio
It is the 7th state with the most reckless drivers, with a composite score of 6.4. The state faces substantial issues with fatal crashes involving alcohol, which number 874, and a high prevalence of road rage. Ohio’s rate of uninsured drivers is 13%, contributing to its high composite score. Although Ohio’s alcohol-involved crashes are significantly lower than those in Texas and California, they are twice the national average.
New York
Ranks 8th with a composite score of 6.3. The state has a significant number of fatal crashes involving speeding, totaling 373, and alcohol-related incidents, with 605 fatalities. New York also experiences a high prevalence of road rage, impacting overall road safety. The rate of uninsured drivers is the second lowest in the nation at 4.10%, coming only after Massachusetts.
New Mexico
Ranks 9th for having the most reckless drivers, with a composite score of 6.2. The state experiences a high number of distracted driving crashes at 173 and a significant rate of uninsured drivers at 21.8%, the highest among the top 10 states. New Mexico also faces challenges with alcohol-related crashes, totaling 255.
Alabama
It is 10th for having the most reckless drivers, with a composite score of 6.1. The state has a high number of speeding-related fatal crashes at 219 and alcohol-involved crashes at 443. Alabama also faces issues with a significant percentage of uninsured drivers at 19.5%.
“As lawyers, we have seen firsthand the devastating impact reckless driving can have on individuals and families. Critical issues we’ve been addressing for years, particularly in states like Texas and California where the rates of fatal crashes and DUI incidents are exceptionally high. One point that stands out is the alarming prevalence of road rage in Arizona, which significantly increases the risk of accidents. These insights underscore the urgent need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and better driver education to enhance road safety across the nation.”
Brett Manske – Personal Injury Lawyer in Rochester, NY
Our team of attorneys want to hear from you.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, slip and fall, construction accident, or have suffered another type of personal injury contact our team today.
Free Case Evaluation or call us: (800) 800-0000Written by The Barnes Firm, reviewed by Richard Barnes
Speak with a lawyer now Available 24/7
Getting our clients the best results possible.
or call us at
(800) 800-0000
“I had an outstanding experience with The Barnes Firm, thanks to Nahuel Cruz and Aybike Donuk. Their professionalism, expertise, and dedication were evident through...
Emilia C.
“Both Jeff Bodily and Mayra Wallis were wonderful to deal with. Very professional, knowledgeable, supportive and helped me navigate through a very stressful time af...
Diane Z.
“My personal Injury Attorney was Jake Otis, he provided accurate timely advise and encouragement throughout the process. He is a true gentleman , his knowledge and ...
Joseph F.
“I’ve had an exceptional experience with Mory Ahmadi, Esq. from the Barnes Firm. Mory’s professionalism, knowledge of personal injury law, and compassionate app...
Rosa E.
“My personal injury lawyer was The Barnes Firm, they helped me with my injury lawsuit. I can’t thank them enough! John Sheehan and his team were there for me ever...
Melissa G.
“I had a great experience working with Richard Amico and his team. They were responsive to my questions and got me a great settlement. They definitely were working ...