Why Baltimore Ranks Among the Worst Cities for Drivers

Why Baltimore Ranks as the Worst City for Drivers

Baltimore, Maryland has once again topped the list for having the worst drivers in the United States, according to the MotorVero Safe Driving Report. With a staggering 153% higher likelihood of collisions compared to the national average, residents face increased risks every time they hit the road.

The average American driver experiences a collision approximately every 10.6 years. However, in Baltimore, that interval drops dramatically to just 4.19 years, putting it at the bottom of MotorVero’s list for the second consecutive year.

Top 5 Cities with the Worst Drivers

Baltimore, MD: 4.19 years between collisions
Washington, D.C.: 4.36 years
Boston, MA: 4.89 years
Worcester, MA: 5.14 years
Glendale, CA: 5.31 years

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High-Risk Roadways in the Worst Cities

Beyond individual driver behavior, certain roads contribute significantly to higher accident rates. In the worst-performing cities, these major thoroughfares stand out for the volume of collision claims:

Baltimore: Interstate 695
Washington, D.C.: Highway 295
Boston: Route 93
Worcester: Main Street
Glendale: 134 Freeway
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Why Certain Cities Perform Worse Than Others

There’s more to bad driving rankings than meets the eye. Cities with high population density, aging infrastructure, and complex traffic systems often perform worse. Interestingly, these same challenges don't always lead to poor rankings. For example, New York City — both highly populated and old — ranks mid-pack at No. 111, proving that disciplined driving behavior and effective traffic management can make a real difference.

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The Positive Side: America's Best Drivers

MotorVero’s report isn't just about calling out the worst. It also celebrates the safest cities for drivers — those with the fewest collision claims and the longest time between accidents. Leading the way is Brownsville, Texas, where drivers average nearly 15 years between crashes.

Top 10 Cities with the Safest Drivers

Brownsville, TX: 14.95 years between collisions
Boise, ID: 13.65 years
Huntsville, AL: 13.39 years
Kansas City, KS: 13.21 years
Laredo, TX: 13.02 years
Olathe, KS: 12.66 years
Fort Collins, CO: 12.60 years
Overland Park, KS: 12.44 years
McAllen, TX: 12.42 years
Cape Coral, FL: 12.24 years

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What These Rankings Mean for Drivers

While the rankings may seem like a badge of shame for some cities, their true purpose is to promote awareness and encourage safer driving behavior. According to MotorVero analysts, the ultimate goal is to reduce accident rates nationwide by identifying problem areas and providing actionable insights.

How to Improve Driving Safety in Your City

Whether you’re navigating Baltimore’s I-695 or cruising through Brownsville’s safer streets, every driver can contribute to a safer environment by following these best practices:

Always obey speed limits and local traffic laws.
Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Minimize distractions, especially mobile phone use.
Wear your seatbelt and ensure passengers do the same.
Maintain a safe following distance — faster speeds require longer stopping times.

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Conclusion: Driving Change One City at a Time

MotorVero’s Safe Driving Report offers valuable insights into where America’s roadways are most dangerous and where they shine. While some cities consistently struggle with safety, improvement is possible through policy, infrastructure upgrades, and, most importantly, individual responsibility. Whether you live in the best or worst ranked city, making smart driving decisions today can create safer streets tomorrow.

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