Drivers in Hawaii have the worst driving habits, while those in Tennessee have the best driving behavior overall, new research has shown. A comprehensive survey conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Forbes Advisor revealed alarming trends in driver behavior across the United States. This survey, which included 5,000 participants aged 18 and over from all 50 states, highlighted significant differences in driving habits, showcasing Hawaii at the bottom of the list.
Motorists in Hawaii ranked first for several dangerous behaviors, including changing lanes or turning without signaling, speeding at least 20 miles per hour over the limit, and running red lights. The data collected between June 24 and July 3 of this year indicates that the state is not only notorious for its beautiful landscapes but also for its lack of adherence to safe driving practices.
Following Hawaii, the states with the worst driving habits included Oregon, New Mexico, Wyoming, and Alaska. Interestingly, Tennessee emerged as the state with the best driving behavior, particularly noted for its lower incidences of speeding and other risky driving habits. In fact, the survey indicated that drivers in Tennessee were the least likely to speed by less than 10 mph or to engage in more severe speeding violations.
Key Findings of the Survey
According to the survey, speeding less than 10 mph over the speed limit was identified as America's worst driving habit. An astonishing 39 percent of licensed drivers admitted to speeding in the past month. This was closely followed by other concerning habits, such as eating while driving, which 29 percent of respondents reported, and running yellow lights, which 22 percent admitted to doing.
Texting while driving remains a significant issue, with 12 percent of drivers acknowledging this behavior. This trend is especially prevalent among younger drivers, with 18 percent of Generation Z and 22 percent of millennials reporting they had texted while driving in the past month. In comparison, older generations, like Generation X and the baby boomers, reported much lower percentages.
Perceptions of Driving Behavior
The survey also revealed that a vast majority of Americans, about 94 percent, consider themselves good drivers. However, half of the respondents felt that driving habits have deteriorated since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Only 14 percent believed that driving behaviors had improved.
Interestingly, drivers in Hawaii displayed a unique perspective on their driving skills. Despite being ranked the worst for driving habits, 89 percent of Hawaii's drivers viewed themselves as good drivers. This contrasts starkly with Virginia, where an impressive 99 percent of motorists consider themselves skilled drivers, even though the state ranks 14th for poor driving behaviors.
Top 10 States With the Worst Driving Habits
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