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We’ve probably all heard the old adage that New Jersey drivers are the worst. There’s something about the Garden State that makes people forget to use their turn signals and drive perilously close to your car if you’re going too slow…or so we’ve been told.

We’re willing to bet that, in any given area of the country, there are people who assume the people in other states are worse drivers than they are. And it seems only natural that we, as drivers, would want to put the blame of bad driving on others. But, Floridians, it appears that we cannot do that any longer.

Move Over New Jersey, Florida Drivers Are Worse

A new study reveals that drivers in Florida really are the worst. On August 10^th, 2016, Smart Asset published a list of the worst places to drive in America. The report analyzed the percent of insured drivers, DUI arrests per 1,000 drivers, vehicular related deaths per 1,000 drivers, and ‘driving tickets’ Google searches.

And while Vermont had a much higher rate of DUI arrests—50.86 as compared to our 4.45—and Delaware had a much higher rate of vehicular related deaths per 1,000 people —.73 as compared to our .13—our incredibly low percentage of insured drivers and incredibly high rate of searching ‘driving tickets’ in Google was what ultimately pushed us over the edge.

So what does this mean? Well, it’s all fun and games to have the title of worst drivers in America, until we really stop to think about what that means. Driving is a responsibility, and one that cannot be taken lightly. If it is, then you and everyone else on the road runs the risk of sustaining serious injuries or death, as a result of poor driving habits.

We Can Make Our Roads Safer

When you head out on the road, the last thing that you want to deal with is a traffic ticket, or worse. After all, you owe it to yourself and your family, and, ultimately, Florida as a whole, to remember to make smart choices each and every time you get behind the wheel.

Had too much to drink? Call a cab or have a friend drive you home. In a hurry? Slow down, your destination probably isn’t going anywhere. And remember to leave more travel time next time. These are just a few simple ways to make the roads safer and more enjoyable for everyone.

So, yes, we may now surpass New Jersey as the butt of all bad driving jokes. But let’s use this as an opportunity to improve and move lower down on the list next year.

That said, we understand that driving incidents are going to happen. And when they do, you’ll want a seasoned Tampa car accident lawyer to help you navigate your case. So, if you’ve just been in a car accident and have questions about your next step, feel free to contact the office. We would be glad to meet with you and discuss your options.