Worst Drivers in the Country Ranked: How Did New Jersey Do?

A study was recently released, which ranked every state’s driving from worst to best across the country. There were several different metrics used in the study, which consisted of various types of dangerous behaviors that led to fatal crashes. As a result, many New Jersey residents may be curious to know where The Garden State ranked on the study’s list.

What were New Jersey’s rankings in the new study?

According to Forbes Advisor’s new 2024 study, New Jersey is one of the states with the best drivers. The state ranked 46^th for worst drivers, putting it in the list of top 10 states for best drivers. Its score was 15.15 out of 100. The reason why New Jersey received this great ranking is because the state only had 1.98 fatal car crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers where speed was involved, 2.18 drunk drivers involved in fatal car crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers, and 8.75 total fatal car crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers. Therefore, overall, New Jersey claimed the fifth spot for best drivers due to having the lowest number of drunk drivers and the third lowest number of fatal car crashes caused by speed.

What metrics were used to rank all 50 states?

There were eight different metrics used to rank all 50 states, including:

1. How many total fatal car crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers: This number made up 20 percent of the total score. The researchers analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) over the course of a three-year period, which was 2019 to 2021, to determine this number.
2. How many drunk drivers were involved in fatal crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers: This number made up 14 percent of the total score. Only those who had at least a BAC level of 0.08 and above were included. The researchers analyzed data from the NHTSA over a three-year period, which was 2019 to 2021, to determine this number.
3. How many fatal car crashes involved a distracted driver per 100,000 licensed drivers: This number made up 14 percent of the total score. The researchers used data that was found by the NHTSA over a three-year period from 2019 to 2021 to determine this number.
4. How many fatal car crashes involved a speeding driver per 100,000 licensed drivers: This number made up 14 percent of the total score. The researchers used data that was found by the NHTSA over a three-year period between 2019 to 2021 to determine this number.
5. How many fatal car crashes involved a drowsy driver per 100,000 licensed drivers: This number made up 14 percent of the total score. The researchers analyzed data from the NHTSA that indicated that a driver was “drowsy, asleep, ill, or blacked out” at the time of the crash. The data was from 2019 to 2021.
6. How many fatal car crashes involved a driver who did not follow traffic signals, traffic officers, or traffic signs per 100,000 licensed drivers: This number made up 14 percent of the total score. The researchers analyzed data from the NHTSA from 2019 to 2021 to determine this number.
7. How many DUI arrests per 100,000 licensed drivers: This number made up 7 percent of the total score. The researchers found the data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which was over a course of three years from 2020 to 2022.
8. How many drivers looked at their cell phones per mile: This number made up 3 percent of the total score. The researchers found the data from Arity, which was released in 2024.

At Ferrara & Gable, we know and understand that accidents can happen to even the best drivers. Therefore, even if you were navigating the roadways carefully and cautiously, you unfortunately cannot predict or control the actions of other drivers. That is why our Cherry Hill car accident attorneys are dedicated to legally assisting you any time you are involved in a crash caused by another’s reckless or careless behavior. We have the experience, skills, and knowledge to guide you through the legal process, help you collect strong evidence to support your claim, and stand up and fight for the compensation you need and deserve to get back on your feet again. Please call our office or submit our contact form to schedule a meeting to learn more about how we can help you today. Our firm is located in Cherry Hill, but we are available to serve all of South Jersey.