Every city has its quirks, and for Cleveland, one quirk is now officially documented. If you’ve ever braced yourself while navigating the streets of Cleveland, thinking the drivers around you are among the country’s most unpredictable, you’re not alone – and now, there’s data to validate your observations.
A recent report from Consumer Affairs, titled “Worst Drivers in America,” placed Cleveland as having the sixth-worst drivers in the country. This assessment comes after a detailed analysis using a myriad of metrics: total car crash fatalities, total pedestrian fatalities, total fatal crashes attributed to poor driving, fatalities with a positive Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC), and the percentage of fatal accidents due to speeding, among others.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Cleveland’s cumulative vehicle crash score stands at a concerning 47.3, putting it just behind St. Louis (47.4) and edging out Detroit (47.1). To offer some perspective, this is significantly higher than the U.S. average of 27.2. The city claiming the dubious distinction of being the top of this list is Memphis, Tennessee, with an alarming crash score of 86.6.
To provide a clearer picture, here are the top 10 U.S. cities grappling with the worst drivers:
Memphis, Tennessee (86.6 crash score)
Baton Rouge, Louisiana (73.8)
Albuquerque, New Mexico (50.8)
Macon, Georgia (49.1)
St. Louis, Missouri (47.4)
Cleveland, Ohio (47.3)
Detroit, Michigan (47.1)
Victorville, California (47.1)
Hesperia, California (45.6)
Pueblo, Colorado (45.5)
It’s important to note that this assessment focused on cities boasting populations exceeding 100,000. Data was primarily sourced from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, reflecting 2021 figures.
The report from Consumer Affairs offers valuable advice for Clevelanders looking to navigate our streets safely:
Although the data about Cleveland’s driving conditions is concerning, acknowledging the issue is a vital first step. We believe that with awareness, both city officials and residents can make choices that prioritize safety on our roads. Those looking for a comprehensive understanding of driving trends across the U.S. can find the full “2023 Worst Drivers in America” report by Consumer Affairs online.
As always, we’re here to advocate for the victims of accidents and to stress the importance of driving with utmost caution in our beloved Cleveland.
