Is Kentucky One of the Best or Worst States for Teen Drivers?
Some states have better teen drivers than others, but just which states have people avoiding sidewalks the most?
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One of the most exciting parts of being a teenager was the day I got my driver's license. I nearly aced my road test but was dinged for "lingering at a stop sign." True story. I started working at a fast food restaurant at the age of 16 and bought my first car just a few months later for $1,200. It was total junk, but it got me where I needed to go. In those days, I considered myself a decent teen driver, but looking back, I probably wasn't the best. Apparently, I was in good company, at least in some states.
States with the Worst Teen Drivers
WalletHub has compiled a list of the states with the worst and best teen drivers in America, utilizing data on teen crashes, available driving schools, and traffic laws. Throughout their research, the website found that car accidents are the leading cause of death among people aged 16 to 19. Driving takes a lot of practice, so it makes sense that new teen drivers are the group most at risk for a car crash. The top three states at greatest risk are Montana at No. 1, followed by Missouri and then Wyoming. Here is the full list:
- Montana
- Missouri
- Wyoming
- Idaho
- North Dakota
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- South Dakota
- Alabama
- Vermont
States with the Best Teen Drivers
According to WalletHub, New York is the best state for teen drivers. Despite frequent traffic congestion, the state has the second-fewest teen driver fatalities per capita, along with the most driving schools per capita. New York is followed by Oregon and then New Jersey, with the latter two having some of the most stringent driving laws in the nation.
Kentucky also made this list, ranking as the No. 8 best state for teen drivers. Having previously lived in Kentucky, I can say that the Bluegrass State is home to some very friendly people. Perhaps this friendliness translates to the road, resulting in fewer crashes? Here is the full list:
- New York
- Oregon
- New Jersey
- Washington
- Massachusetts
- Connecticut
- Alaska
- Kentucky
- West Virginia
- California
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