What Are the Most Dangerous Cities for Drivers?

Some cities are better than others when it comes to driving. This includes the risk of being in accidents as well as traffic. Even car thefts can make driving in some cities riskier than others.

Within specific cities, certain parts are often more dangerous than others.

In Atlanta, for example, particular intersections based on local traffic data are the most dangerous in the city. These include:

Piedmont Avenue and Monroe Drive, with an average of 12 accidents a month.
Briarcliff Road and North Druid Hills Road, with an estimated 13 car accidents every month.
Butner Road and Camp Creek Parkway averages around 13 accidents a month.
Steve Reynolds Boulevard and Venture Drive, which sees around 13 accidents monthly.

So, beyond Atlanta, what are some of the most dangerous or challenging states and cities in the country as far as driving goes?

Rural Risks

Before getting into the specific cities where driving is the most dangerous and difficult, it’s worth noting that rural roads tend to be the most dangerous in many cases. This might sound counterintuitive until you think about the reasons why.

Rural roads are less likely to be paved all the way. They may not clearly define travel directions, and the speed limit on rural roads is usually higher than the limits on city roads.

Along with possible crashes happening at higher speeds, some risks come with the fact that health care facilities may be further away if you get into an accident in a rural area. It can take longer for emergency services providers to reach you and then transport you for care if you are in an accident.

Baton Rouge, LA

Among the most dangerous cities in America for drivers is Baton Rouge. There are more than 23 motor vehicle deaths per 100,000 people. The relative collision likelihood is more than 55% above average.

There are also 113 days on average with precipitation, further increasing the risks.

Savannah, GA

Savannah may be beautiful, but if you’re driving in the city or the surrounding areas, it can also be risky.

There are an estimated 15.7 motor vehicle fatalities per 100,000 people. The likelihood of being in a crash in Savannah is nearly 38% above average. There are also 642 car and motor vehicle thefts per 100,000 people and around 110 days of precipitation on average.

Dallas, TX

Dallas is one of the most thriving cities in the country, and it continues to grow. It’s a hub of business, technology, culture, restaurants and more. It’s popular among residents and tourists alike.

That all comes with some costs, however. Many of those are related to traffic.

There are an estimated 14.5 motor vehicle collision deaths per 100,000 people each year. The risk of being in a crash, relatively speaking, is nearly 4% above average. There’s also a population of more than 1.3 million, meaning you are almost always going to encounter traffic. It can take hours in some cases to get from one part of the city to the other.

Detroit, MI

There are more than 15 motor vehicles deaths per 100,000 people in Detroit, and the relative likelihood of being in a crash is almost 23% higher than the average. There are also 1,200 motor vehicle thefts per 100,000 people.

You have to add this to the fact that there are around 135 days with precipitation. The winters are harsh in Michigan and can bring significant amounts of snow and ice.

St. Louis, MO

There are just over 18 motor vehicle deaths per 100,000 people in St. Louis. The likelihood of being in a crash in St. Louis is more than 22% above average. There are around 879 motor vehicle thefts per 100,000 people.

Atlanta, GA

Above were highlighted some of the most dangerous intersections in Atlanta. The city, in general, is known for having difficult traffic and also a high number of fatalities.

There are 11.3 deaths because of car accidents per 100,000 people. The likelihood of being in a motor vehicle collision is 49.4% above average. There are also a number of motor vehicle thefts in the city each year.

New Orleans, LA

New Orleans is a tourist hot spot and perhaps one of the most interesting cities in the world, but it also comes with risks. Many of these risks stem from the fact that drinking and partying are major pastimes in New Orleans.

There are around 11.2 motor vehicle fatalities per 100,000 people in New Orleans annually, and the likelihood of being in a crash is more than 49% above average.

Cleveland, OH

Cleveland may not be a major tourist city, but for whatever reason, it is a place where there are a lot of car accidents and collisions. In Cleveland, there are 13.7 roadway collision deaths per every 100,000 people.

The relative likelihood of being in a car crash is 18.9% above average. There are also 156 days of precipitation, so again, the weather may have an impact on traffic safety in Cleveland.

Sacramento, CA

Sacramento sees a relative collision likelihood that’s 40% above average. While there are only 57 days of precipitation on average annually, there are 13.7 crash deaths per 100,000 in this California city.

Louisville, KY

Louisville is a growing and thriving southern city, but also one with some dangers on the roadways.

There are around 14.3 motor vehicles crashes per 100,000 people. The likelihood of being in a collision in Louisville is 16.2% higher than average.

There are also 622 motor vehicle thefts per 100,000 people.

Springfield, MA

Springfield’s relative collision likelihood is nearly 82% above average, and there are 11 collision deaths per 100,000 people.

Memphis, TN

Finally, there is Memphis, TN. This western Tennessee city is home to Graceland but also happens to bring with it a higher risk if you’re behind the wheel.

There is a motor vehicle fatality rate of 15.2 per 100,000 people. Your risk of being in a crash in Memphis is around 16.8% higher than average, and there are 614 car thefts per 100,000 people.