Arizona is now in the top 10 states with the worst drivers in the nation. According to a study released by CarInsuranceComparison.com, Arizona ranks third for careless driving and seventh for failure to obey traffic laws.
Arizona is home to the sixth largest city in America and has been deemed the sixth worst state to drive in.
“Especially in the summertime,” said Scott Riffenburger, a local driver. “People get agitated and short-tempered when it comes to city driving especially.”
According to data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, states were ranked in the following categories: fatality rate per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, failure to obey traffic laws, drunk driving, speeding and careless driving.
Arizona ranked sixth because of its high number of deaths due to careless driving and failure to obey traffic laws. A year ago, Arizona fared a little better, ranking as the 14th worst-driving state.
Some drivers even admit to having made these mistakes in the past.
“So I was a teenage driver once and I tried to drive my Mom’s vehicle sometimes and I was out on the 51,” said Riffenburger. “And I made a mistake and I made a 360 on the 51 and then, uh, I didn’t get in trouble and I turned my head and made sure it was safe and carried on my way.”
The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) recommends drivers pay closer attention before stepping into their vehicle.
“Be patient, slow down, don’t drink and drive and take your time and you’ll get there,” said Steve Elliott, ADOT spokesperson. “Seatbelts save countless lives in Arizona and around the nation, and we urge Arizonans to set a good example. Buckle up.”
Alberto Gutier, Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, will speak at a news conference tomorrow addressing the annual statewide launch of the DUI task force. They are instructed to be on the lookout for dangerous driving not just impaired drivers.