LendingTree conducted a study in 2025 to figure out which state had the best and worst drivers. In this study our home state of Utah has been identified as the state with the third worst drivers in the U.S, with an incident rate of 54.6 per 1,000 drivers. LendingTree came to this ranking based on data from January 1 through September 20, 2025, and encompasses various driving infractions to figure out which states drivers were the worst. These infractions included car accidents, DUIs, speeding related incidents, and general citations such as careless driving or failure to yield.
As Utah car accident lawyers these numbers were alarming. We believe that understanding these statistics will be able to provide us with a critical opportunity to reflect on personal driving habits and adopt measures to enhance road safety. In this article LifeLaw’s car accident lawyers will be delving into the key factors that contribute to Utah’s poor performance. We will also provide practical steps that you can take as an individual to help improve your driving, and reduce the risk of accidents and their associated injuries.
Understanding Utah’s Driving Challenges
The LendingTree study evaluates driver performance across all 50 states by analyzing tens of millions of auto insurance inquiries through its QuoteWizard platform. These incidents are calculated on a per 1,000 basis based on policyholders’ reported residences, offering a comprehensive view of driving behaviors between each state.
Utah’s elevated incident rate places it only behind two other states North Dakota (64.0 incidents per 1,000 drivers) and New Jersey (58.8 incidents per 1,000 drivers) as the nation’s worst performers. In contrast, states like Michigan (20.9 incidents per 1,000 drivers), Florida (23.1), and Colorado (23.7) demonstrate significantly better records.
Utah’s Specific Areas of Concern
In this study Utah drivers were particularly bad in a few categories, these being:
- Accidents: Utah ranks seventh highest nationally, with 23.8 accidents per 1,000 drivers. This means that Utah drivers are in more accidents than 80% of the United States.
- DUIs: With 2.7 DUIs per 1,000 drivers, Utah holds the fourth highest rate in the country. Utah does have a different legal limit than most of the United States at 0.05 BAC being the legal limit instead of 0.08, which may be a contributing factor to this. Driving under the influence can be extremely dangerous and contributes to impaired judgment and massive car crash risks.
- Speed Related Incidents: Utah ranks second for the most speed related incidents at 9.4 incidents per 1,000 drivers. This illustrates Utah drivers tend to drive at excessive speeds. Speeding may not seem particularly dangerous, but a high speed car accident can result in much more severe injuries and even death.
These figures align with broader insights from the study, that attribute Utah’s poor driving performance to excessive speeds, impairment from alcohol or drugs, and distractions that diminish situational awareness.
As your Utah car accident lawyers we can not stress enough the importance of safe driving. Addressing these driving issues head on is not only essential for compliance with our states safety laws, but also for preventing any personal injuries and fatalities on the road.
Practical Steps to Enhance Your Driving Skills
While Utah may have the third worst drivers in the country, that does not mean that every driver in the state is bad, rather we have some bad driving habits we need to adjust. As car accident attorneys who have seen countless accidents we understand how to drive safely. In this section we will be breaking down steps that you can take in order to lower your risks of accidents and increase your safety as a driver:
Follow Speed Limits and Adjust for Conditions:
The posted speed limits are listed for a reason, it is the safest speed to travel on that road. Always make sure to adhere to posted speed limits while you are on the road, and remember to reduce your speed in construction zones, high traffic areas, or in adverse weather conditions (rain, snow, hail).
When you travel at excessive speeds it increases your vehicle’s stopping time and decreases your reaction time, and in areas with dense traffic this can be extremely dangerous. In order to be safer try your best to follow the speed limit, and consider using cruise control on highways to maintain consistent speeds.
Minimize Distractions:
Your focus should be on the road at all times. You can help maintain your focus by avoiding cell phone use, eating, and adjusting car systems (GPS, music, etc) while driving. If your car is equipped with hands-free features, utilize them! This can allow you to take phone calls, respond to messages, and set your navigation up all while your attention is on the road. If necessary pull over for tasks that require your direct attention.
Avoid Driving Under the Influence:
Never under any circumstances operate a vehicle under the influence of any substance like alcohol, drugs, or medications that can impair your cognitive state. If you are going to a bar or out with friends, plan ahead by designating a sober driver, using ride sharing services like Uber or Lyft, or opting for public transportation. Utah has strict DUI laws, including potential license suspension and fines. While these laws can serve as a deterrent it is up to the individual to not get behind the wheel while impaired. Driving under the influence can be incredibly dangerous and can cause harm to yourself and others, never do this.
Maintain Vehicle Safety:
Make sure to regularly inspect your vehicle for any defects, such as worn tires, faulty brakes, or malfunctioning lights, which can potentially lead to citations for equipment violations. If you notice that something is wrong with your car do not wait and get it fixed right away.
Practice Defensive Driving Techniques
Defensive driving is driving with the assumption that anything can go wrong, so you will take steps to avoid it. You can drive defensively by anticipating potential hazards and maintaining a safe following distance, scanning the road constantly, and yielding appropriately to other drivers.
You can enroll in defensive driving courses offered by organizations like the Utah Safety Council to refine these skills and potentially qualify for insurance discounts. Click the link below to sign up for a defensive driving course.
https://www.utahsafetycouncil.org/content/Defensive-Driving.aspx
By implementing these steps you can help to contribute to a broader cultural shift towards safer roads in Utah, and potentially improve our state’s future rankings.
This study provides us with a sobering truth, that we are driving unsafely. A car is a two ton wrecking ball when it gets into an accident and can cause serious life altering injuries when not driven safely. By addressing speeding, impairment, and distractions, through the steps we listed above you will be able to mitigate driving risks and help make the road a much safer place.
If your safe driving fails, and you are injured due to someone else’s negligence you do not have to suffer alone. At LifeLaw Trial Lawyers our team of the best car accident lawyers in Utah have helped thousands of clients get the compensation that they deserve. Our team of lawyers will work tirelessly to build your case, gather evidence, contact professionals and ensure that you are taken care of while you can focus on what really matters, your recovery. If you have been hurt by the negligence of someone else give us a call at 801-206-4002, or fill out a contact form on our website for a free consultation. We are here to help you every step of the way.
Infographic:
