A staggering number of Americans die every year due to poor decision-making by drivers whose actions place themselves and others at risk. Now, a study by Car Insurance Comparison shows which states have the worst drivers — and unfortunately, Michigan motorists did not fare well in all of the categories.
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Which States Have the Worst Drivers?
More than 36,000 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes throughout the nation last year. These deaths include drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists — people of all ages. Some of these accidents were unavoidable. But many more could have been prevented.
To make valid comparisons, the analysts in the study looked at the death rate and the number of fatal accidents in each state. The causes were broken down into four key categories:
Alaska ranks as having the worst drivers. Utah ranks as the best.
How Michigan Ranked
First, the positive news: Michigan is the 16th best state for safe driving. While not an ideal place on the list, it could be much worse. Now the bad news: Michigan’s ranking has dropped over the years. It was 6th in 2016, for instance. This drop represents a dramatic change over a short period of time.
Of serious concern is Michigan’s ranking as the nation’s leader for drunk driving and the second-worst state for careless driving.
Figuring out how to reverse these disturbing trends is essential. A staggering 980 people were killed and 75,838 injured on Michigan roads in a single year, according to the most recent State Police statistics.
Tips for Safe Driving
To improve your driving skills, it’s important to commit yourself to focus on the road at all times and. Technology can be a help, but it can also be a hindrance. It’s best to use it selectively. Don’t rely on it if it tends to distract you.
Do you feel you lack self-control? Newer model smartphones can be set to switch off automatically when you begin driving. Also, you can set navigation systems to announce only the most important notifications.
Always wear your seat belt. It’s a simple action that cuts the risk of death in an accident by 45 percent, and the chances of injury by 50 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Finally, and most importantly: Be aware of your surroundings. Traffic conditions can change in an instant. Make sure to scan the road periodically for hazards, obey the speed limit, and be prepared to respond if an emergency arises.
Contact Christensen Law Today
A crash can have serious and long-lasting ramifications. If you’ve been hurt in Michigan, a Detroit car accident lawyer from Christensen Law can explain the state’s no-fault insurance laws and fight for the maximum amount of compensation you’re owed. That’s what we do, and we do it well.
It’s free to learn your legal options. Call or contact us today.
