This story was first posted on November 19, 2012. It was updated on April 17, 2019.
When I arrived at the St. Regis Bal Harbour I posted a comment on my Facebook page stating that “I’m pretty sure South Florida has the worst drivers in the United States. Agree or disagree?” It was not only because of the hour-long drive down from Delray Beach during which I feared for my life but also based on my past experiences here, as well.
While cruising in the middle lane going the speed of traffic (around 65mph) I saw a car’s headlights rapidly approaching on the right side. The driver must’ve been going around 100mph because he flew by as he weaved between lanes without a turn signal. If going at Formula One speeds wasn’t bad enough, passing on the righthand side (unless you’re in England, Australia…) is a huge no-no. It wasn’t just him either; others followed and day after day I continue to see at least one driver drive like this.
When I posted that South Florida drivers are the worst on my Facebook page, I wasn’t expecting the onslaught of comments. Most of my friends agreed with me but others made arguments for their home states like Massachusetts, New Jersey, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, Southern California…
So what do you think? Take this poll and we’ll see what the consensus is! Do you agree that South Florida has the worst drivers? If not, nominate another city or state in the comments below!
Concur on So.Fla. HOWEVER…Just returned from Familial visit in Colo.Sprgs,CO.and LET ME TELL YOU it’s like the Indianapolis 500 and not a L.E.O. in sight.Very scary “Careless and Reckless” to beat the band.
Have only driven in So Florida on limited basis so maybe bad judge. Maybe a survey on State by State basis. Living in LA / OC area I don’t think our drivers are too bad. On the other hand the corridor between Stockton and Sacramento is like an extremely bad nightmare. Had to drive it a lot and honestly made driving in any European area seem incredibly safe and easy.
Worst drivers I’ve ever seen are in Glendale, California. Lived here 20 years and still amazed at drivers who run stop signs, double park blocking the lane on one side, when a parking spot is a long 30 feet away. Yeah, these are the same folks who hit and run pedestrians over and over again.
Having lived here now for 4.5 years…yes 100% agree with you. I-95 in Norwalk, CT has nothing on I-95 in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. Plus there are extra lanes for people to speed on. I think people move here from the NE and the sun bakes their brains. :-) Also, the texting and driving and distracted drivers in general here are the worst! And you never see a cop pulling them over for it. Ridiculous and dangerous!
I lived and drove to Miami for 6 years and prayed each minute. Reckless, no insurance, no license, no green card, near misses and hard hits. Almost daily I saw two cars in a collision; then both drivers get out and run from the scene! I have traveled extensively and although there are aggressive drivers in all cities, no one can compare to the “Miami” two-step!
Hands down, the Baltimore-Washington, DC-Annapolis area though Florida esp. during snowbird season might be a close second.
As far as I am concerned the worst drivers in the country are in Monterey Park and surrounding areas. This location is populated predominantly by Asians. I don’t know what it is about this group but it is very dangerous driving through that area.
Have to agree with South Florida having the worst drivers. I’ve been spending winters in Florida for almost 20 years and I can attest to the fact that those roads down there are down right DANGEROUS! I have to pick my times to run errands, usually early mornings, never midday or evenings.
You made a great point ‘where are the traffic cops’? I drive over to LA often (to visit son) and I have yet to see bad accidents, they aren’t bad drivers just fast….99% use blinkers and you never hear horns!
all of florida is bad…its full of transplants from the north and tourist. lots of bad manners, people with me/ me/ me aggressive attitudes. contractors not securing their cargo too. i cant tell you how many ladders i’ve nearly missed running over, or bld debris on the roads. where is the hwy patrol ??
Definitely South Florida. I agree with you here, Johnny.
I see people making left hand turns from the far right lane (four lanes) along Calle Ocho without looking. Regularly. Inconceivable but it works. The drivers are so bad that everyone makes the chaos look normal.
South Florida, especially Miami, have THE WORST DRIVERS ever. We have family and were in Miami for 4 days and every day, we almost got wiped out by the craziest drivers. The worst part were the cars that tail gate the vehicle next to you and at the last minute, they decide they are going to cut in front of you and then cut in front of the car they just passed. So glad we don’t live there anymore. Our family thinks that that is normal and you get used to it. Never again!