Here Are The 10 Worst Cities for Driving Conditions

Bad driving conditions can turn your daily commute into a terrifying experience — and for drivers in certain cities, a worry-free drive can seem like a luxury. Slick, crowded roads can make accidents much more common, which is why insurance companies consider zip code when determining rates. Bad congestion can increase your commute (and raise your risks of a fender bender).

So, which cities offer the worst experience for daily drivers? That depends on the factors considered, but we searched through the data to get some answers.

If you live in one of these cities, here’s the good news: By comparing insurance providers, you can still find excellent, affordable coverage. With that said, you’ll still need to drive defensively, and understanding your risks can help you develop the right approach.

The Worst 10 Cities for Drivers

Americans are spending more and more behind the wheel of their cars. Daily usage and time spent on the road has been in a steady increase since 2014, with drivers now averaging about 50 minutes in their car every day1. This increase of daily commuting isn’t just a waste of time; it leads to an increase in collisions and serious accidents.

In a 2020 report, financial news service 24/7 Wall Street gathered statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas A&M’s Transportation Institute, and the National Insurance Crime Bureau to identify the cities with the worst driving conditions.

1.Odessa, Texas

2018 traffic fatalities per 100,000 people: 33.7 (state: 12.6)

2.Atlanta (city and metro area), Georgia

2018 traffic fatalities per 100,000 people: 11.7 (state: 14.2)

3.Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, Washington

2018 traffic fatalities per 100,000 people: 5.6 (state: 7.2)

4.Baton Rouge, LA

2018 traffic fatalities per 100,000 people: 20.7 (state: 16.5)

5.Houston (city and metro area), Texas

2018 traffic fatalities per 100,000 people: 8.4 (state: 12.6)

6.Florence, South Carolina

2018 traffic fatalities per 100,000 people: 30.7 (state: 20.1)

7.San Jose, California

2018 traffic fatalities per 100,000 people: 6.2 (state: 9)

8.Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, Florida

2018 traffic fatalities per 100,000 people: 11.5 (state: 14.6)

9.Midland, Texas

2018 traffic fatalities per 100,000 people: 32.3 (state: 12.6)

10.Vallejo-Fairfield, California

2018 traffic fatalities per 100,000 people: 12.5 (state: 9)

Factors considered included average commute time, convenience and cost of driving, gas prices, traffic, driving fatalities, and the time and money lost due to congestion2. While this list showcases the worst driving conditions overall, the exact rankings change based on the factors considered. For instance, if you spend a lot of time on foot, the list looks quite different.

Some Cities Are Less Safe for Pedestrians

Poor driving conditions can raise your chances of an accident, but depending on where you live, walking to your destination might not be much safer. In cities with limited crosswalks and poor infrastructure, pedestrians face an elevated risk.

According to Smart Growth America, these metropolitan areas had the highest annual pedestrian fatalities from 2010 to 20193:

1.Daytona Beach, Florida

Average annual pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people: 3.6

2.Tampa / St. Petersburg, Florida

Average annual pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people: 3.1

3.Jacksonville, Florida

Average annual pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people: 3.1

4.Orlando, Florida

Average annual pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people: 3.0

5.Albuquerque, New Mexico

Average annual pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people: 3.0

6.Bakersfield, California

Average annual pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people: 2.9

7.Palm Bay, Florida

Average annual pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people: 2.9

8.Miami, Florida

Average annual pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people: 2.8

9.Memphis, Tennessee

Average annual pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people: 2.6

10.El Paso, Texas

Average annual pedestrian fatalities per 100,000 people: 2.6

Unfortunately, pedestrian fatalities are on the rise. The four most recent years on record (2016-2019) are the most deadly since 1990. Nationwide, the number of people struck and killed by drivers while walking increased by 45 percent over the last decade.

Factors That Affect Driving Conditions

Any condition that affects your ability to maneuver your vehicle will raise your risks when driving. Some of those factors are out of your control — you can’t discourage other drivers from leaving the house, for instance — but building an awareness of your city’s risks can help you stay safe. The most common examples of on-the-road risks include:

Rainy, Foggy, or Snowy Weather
Potholes and Damaged Infrastructure
Unmarked Roads and Intersections
Sun Glare or Extreme Heat

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), weather conditions contribute to about 21 percent4 of all car accidents throughout the United States. In many cases, drivers believe that they’re operating their vehicles safely — but a sudden patch of wet pavement can pose a serious hazard.

Drivers can take certain steps to reduce their risks. Per the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA)5 motorists should plan their routes in inclement weather, prepare for unexpected hazards (for instance, keeping jumper cables and snow shovels on hand), and practice safe driving techniques in parking lots or other unoccupied areas.

Of course, weather isn’t the only factor that affects your commute. Some cities have a higher-than-average number of distracted drivers due to lax enforcement. Others simply have a large number of drivers — the more cars on the road, the higher the chances of an accident.

Be Aware of Driving Hazards

If you’re driving in a high-risk city, the safest course of action is to be aware of the factors that could raise the chances of an accident. Put simply, if you’re unable to control your vehicle normally, stay off the road — or adapt your habits to meet the conditions.

In busy metropolitan areas, that means leaving plenty of space between your car and the cars around you. Be on the lookout for pedestrians, cyclists, and damaged roadways. Avoid paying much attention to visual distractions (and put down your phone).

Cities can reduce risks by investing in infrastructure and clearing streets of obstructions6. However, many municipalities have a limited ability to improve driving conditions, and drivers pay the price: In some major metropolitan areas, motorists can expect to pay more than $6,300 per year on full-coverage auto insurance7.

Drivers can cut these costs by keeping clean records and comparing auto insurance quotes carefully. With that said, it’s important to get enough coverage for your vehicle — if you commute within any of the cities listed above, you’ll need financial protection in the (somewhat likely) event of an accident.