Kansas City drivers are fifth-worst in nation, research finds

Buckle up, Kansas City. The city proper has the fifth-worst drivers in the nation, according to research by “Forbes Advisor.”

“Fatal car accidents are increasing across the country, with the number of deadly crashes climbing by nearly 10 percent from 2020 to 2022,” the report said. “In some cities, there is a higher percentage of dangerous drivers on the road, putting everyone at greater risk when they get behind the wheel.”

The report identifies the cities where drivers engage in the most hazardous behavior that threatens public safety. Out of all cities analyzed, Kansas City has the highest number of fatal car accidents involving speeding (7.07 per 100,000 city residents). It also ranks fourth highest for its number of fatal car accidents involving a drunk driver (5.34 per 100,000 city residents); has the fifth highest total number of fatal car accidents (15.71 per 100,000 city residents); and reports the fifth highest number of people killed in fatal crashes (16.85 per 100,000 city residents).

Among the other key findings:

• Albuquerque tops the list of cities with the worst drivers, followed by Memphis, Detroit, Tucson and then Kansas City,
• Three of the top 15 cities with the worst drivers are located in Texas — Dallas, Fort Worth and San Antonio.
• Three of the top 10 cities with the best drivers are located in California — San Francisco, Oakland and San Diego.
• Memphis, has the highest number of fatal car accidents involving a drunk driver (7.5 per 100,000 city residents), and Albuquerque has the highest number of fatal car accidents involving a distracted driver (5.42 per 100,000 city residents).
• Wichita ranked 18.

Dangerous driving leads to increased risk and higher insurance rates. Getting speeding tickets, running red lights, texting while driving and other reckless behaviors all raise the risk of accidents and damage claims.

Ultimately, insurance rates vary by state, and the cost of auto coverage will remain high if drivers exhibit irresponsible driving habits. Maintaining a safe, accident-free record is the best way to secure the most affordable car insurance over the long term. Premiums reflect a driver’s risk level based on driving behavior.

–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice