Road trips are a quintessential American pastime and have been growing in popularity. This increase is partly due to current issues in the aviation industry, which have led some travelers to question the safety of flying.

Additionally, road trips offer a unique and intimate travel experience. Exploring a new location by car can lead to unexpected adventures that might be missed when flying. However, road safety remains a significant concern that travelers need to address.

Exploring cities with a rental or personal vehicle can be more convenient. This is especially true for visitors staying in central areas who want to avoid the high costs of ride-share services. However, metropolitan areas can present their own challenges, such as higher crime rates and aggressive driving, which can deter visitors despite the city’s diversity and vibrant community.

A recent study highlights the risks associated with driving in various U.S. cities, including Detroit, which is ranked among the worst for driving behavior.

Detroit’s Driving Risk

This is why Detroit has some of the riskiest drivers in the country.
pictured: Detroit street during traffic — Kyle Berryman / Unsplash

Allstate, a well-known and trusted insurance company, recently released its 16th annual “America’s Best Drivers Report.” This report provides detailed insights into driving behaviors across 100 ranked urban areas, using anonymized driving data collected from Allstate’s partner, Arity. Arity specializes in mobility data, analytics, and safety features for the company’s app. The inclusion of this data offers a more accurate picture of driving conditions in various destinations.

Michigan has two cities ranked among the 15 least safe for drivers: Detroit and Grand Rapids. Detroit is ranked 85th, while Grand Rapids is 92nd, with 100 being the lowest rank for driving behavior. These rankings reflect local driving safety and what visitors might encounter.

Factors Contributing To Detroit’s Risky Driving

Several factors contribute to Detroit’s low ranking in driving safety. Allstate’s report considered various elements, including braking habits, speeding, and phone usage. Grand Rapids is particularly noted for issues with speeding, while Detroit drivers are known for both speeding and harsh braking. On the positive side, Detroit’s drivers tend to use their phones less while driving compared to other cities, which slightly improves their overall safety ranking.