Southern California home to some of nation's worst drivers, study says
Southern California is known for its sunny beaches and sprawling cities, but another aspect of life in the region is gaining attention: dangerous driving. According to a recent study conducted by ConsumerAffairs, some of the worst drivers in the nation are found right here in Southern California. With multiple cities making the top 50, it’s clear that this is a severe issue affecting residents and visitors alike.
The Worst Drivers in America 2024 study used data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to identify which cities have the highest number of fatal crashes. Among the top offenders? Two Inland Empire cities: Victorville and San Bernardino. These two cities rank second and fourth in the list of America’s worst drivers.
Southern California’s Place Among the Worst Drivers
Southern California’s traffic problems are no secret, but the recent ConsumerAffairs study sheds light on how dangerous the region’s roads can be. The study considered several factors, including fatal crashes, crashes involving alcohol, and speeding-related fatalities, all per 100,000 people.
What’s shocking is that both Victorville and San Bernardino scored over 60 points on the study’s scale, with Victorville ranking second only to Memphis, Tennessee. These cities are proving to be hotspots for reckless and dangerous driving.
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Victorville, a city in San Bernardino County, stands out for its high number of traffic-related deaths involving alcohol. According to the study, it ranks second in the nation for alcohol-related traffic fatalities and fifth for fatal crashes linked to speeding. These sobering statistics make it one of the most dangerous places to drive in America.
The combination of alcohol impairment and speeding creates a lethal mix on Victorville’s roads. Many of these accidents occur on high-speed highways and local streets where drivers fail to exercise caution, putting themselves and others at risk.
San Bernardino, another city in the Inland Empire, also struggles with high rates of DUI-related accidents. It surpasses Victorville when it comes to deadly crashes involving impaired drivers, with 7.7 per 100,000 people. Speeding is another serious issue, with 11.3 fatalities per 100,000 residents attributed to drivers going too fast.
These figures don't surprise residents of San Bernardino. Many locals have witnessed firsthand the dangerous driving that plagues their streets.
Despite these alarming statistics, California fares relatively well in the study. The Golden State ranks 33rd out of 50 in terms of bad drivers, meaning its overall driving habits aren’t as dire as expected, given its notorious traffic congestion.