Does Phoenix really have the worst drivers in the US? Yes and no
Driving in Arizona, specifically around metro Phoenix, is almost necessary. While there are a growing amount of public transportation options, the Valley is really spread out. It's definitely a driver's city.
In 2024, the Arizona Department of Transportation counted nearly 6 million licensed drivers in the state. With so many people on the road, it's common to see driving behavior that is unsafe — sometimes even scary. Which leads to maybe the most common phrase you'll hear after "it's a dry heat": "We have the worst drivers."
Continuously, Arizona drivers are ranked among the worst in the nation. Just last year, a Forbes study using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the U.S. Census Bureau ranked Phoenix and Tucson in the top 10 cities with the worst drivers. Another study ranked Interstate 17 as the ninth-deadliest highway in America.
So why are the roads in Arizona particularly dangerous, and what is being done about it?
This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com about metro Phoenix and beyond, we are joined by Sgt. Eric Andrews, an officer at the Department of Public Safety, to discuss driver safety in Phoenix, explain what AZ DPS is doing to help people on the road and tips for ensuring the safest ride.
Also in the episode, Arizona Republic staff share some of their craziest driving stories.
Listen to Valley 101 on your favorite podcast app or stream the full episode below.
Submit your questions to us about metro Phoenix and Arizona for a chance to be chosen for the podcast.
Note: Valley 101 is intended to be heard, but we offer an AI transcript of the episode script. There may be slight deviations from the podcast audio.
Subscribe to Valley 101 : Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Stitcher
Follow Valley 101 and all azcentral podcasts on X, formerly Twitter, and on Instagram.
Reach the producer Amanda Luberto at aluberto@gannett.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter @amandaluberto and on Bluesky @amandaluberto.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: What state has the worst drivers? Why Arizona often ranks in top 10
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