There’s a reason for the term, “California Stop,” right? Hey, we’ve all done it. And we’ve probably all driven a bit over the speed limit, too. But recently, according to data compiled by QuoteWizard, Sacramento tops the list of the United States’ worst drivers. Could it be true?
According to data collected by QuoteWizard, it’s definitely true.
Apparently, Sacramento was at the top of the list of the 75 most populated metropolitan regions in the United States with bad drivers. Sacramento not only had the highest rate of traffic tickets given out but was at number four on the list for both accidents and DUIs, as stated in the report.
QuoteWizard is an online insurance marketplace for consumers looking for better auto insurance rates, and it's statistics come from its own website users, utilizing over 2 million data points. The final rankings were calculated by recording such incidents as:
- Accidents
- Speeding tickets
- DUIs
- Citations (running a red light, cell phone use while driving, etc.)
Using the above data collected, QuoteWizard was able to rank each US city from the worst drivers to the best. Salt Lake City was at number two on the list, Riverside, California at number three, San Diego at number five, Los Angeles at number six, and Bakersfield at number ten for worst drivers in the United States.
The best drivers in the nation were Detroit, Michigan at number one and Providence, Rhode Island at number two.
Becoming a better driver isn't complicated nor difficult, and it can enormously reduce the risk of getting yourself into an auto accident. Whether you're an experienced driver or new behind-the-wheel, there are several measures you can take to eliminate distractions while you're driving and maintain better control of your vehicle when you're on the road.
The Sevey Law Firm compiled these tips for safer driving based on our vast experience with auto accidents and personal injury cases. We know everyone can become more reliable driver with just a little more attention paid to the road.
22 Tips for Safer Driving
- Obey the speed limit, and know the meanings of all street signs and markers.
- Don't drive if you've been drinking or have taken any drugs - even prescription drugs if they make you tired.
- Wear your seatbelt, and make sure that your passengers do, too.
- Keep children secured in proper car seats anytime you drive - even if it’s a short trip from home to your destination.
- Before you drive anywhere, perform a quick safety check, making sure that everything is working correctly, there are no leaks under your vehicle, and that your tires are inflated properly.
- When you get into your car, check that your seat, steering wheel, and mirrors are in the correct positions. Your side mirrors should just barely overlap what you can see in your rearview mirror.
- Drive with your headlights on, even in daylight. A car with its headlights on is visible at nearly four times the distance of one that doesn't have its headlights on.
- Use your turn signals if you’re turning.
- Heed all road signs, including construction, detour, lane closures, etc.
- When stopping at a stop sign, first look left, then right, then left again before proceeding.
- Always stop at a yellow. Don’t think that you can make it through the light before it turns red.
- When a red light turns green, look left, right, and left again before proceeding. Take note of the vehicles surrounding you and whether they are completely stopped before beginning to drive through the light.
- Stay attentive not only to your own vehicle and driving, but to the vehicles around you, and the surrounding areas. Use your rearview mirror to check the area behind your vehicle.
- If you’re driving on a street that allows parking on the right side, stay a bit towards the centerline just in case someone decides to open their parked car door. Do this to avoid having to swerve to miss the door.
- If you're driving on a street that does not have parking on the right side, stay toward the right to allow more room between you and the vehicles coming toward you.
- Expect the unexpected when you’re driving, and be thinking of ways to avert an accident. Anticipate that a pedestrian won’t look both ways before crossing the street in front of you, or that a car coming towards you at a four-way stop isn’t going to stop. By learning to think this way, you can quickly recover if something like this does occur.
- Learn how to check your oil and your tire pressure.
- When you get gas, check your oil and other fluid levels and top them off if necessary.
- If your car ends up stalling on the road, stay with the vehicle and turn on your hazard lights. This will make sure that other drivers to see you clearly.
- Keep the proper distance between you and the car in front of you when moving. There should be at least four seconds between you and the vehicle ahead of you at any given time. To judge this, choose a stationary object up ahead of you. When the car ahead of you passes the object, begin counting seconds. If you pass the object before you've counted to four, there isn't enough room between you to avoid an accident, should the vehicle ahead of you need to brake suddenly. More time between vehicles should be given while driving at night, or during bad weather.
- Never talk on the phone or text while driving. While talking or texting, your chances of getting into an accident increase by nearly 400%. Pullover and stop if you absolutely must make a call.
- Don’t drive while distracted. Eating, drinking, smoking, talking to passengers, fiddling with music, and adjusting the temperature levels are all distractions that can cause an accident. It only takes a moment for your eyes to leave the road, and disaster to occur.
If you have been the victim of an unsafe driver in the Sacramento area, we encourage you to contact the attorneys at The Sevey Law Firm. We have the experience in personal injury law and can help you recover all the damages you are entitled to for your injuries and property damage. Call us today for a free consultation at (916) 788-7100, or leave us a message at our contact page.
