Proof That Idaho Drivers Are Among the Worst in the Country

Driving in Idaho can often be an adventure. It seems like it should be simple to get from one place to another, but the roads are never simple in the Gem State. With interstate speeds at 80 miles per hour, drivers having open roads to speed, cell phones to distract drivers, and often looking off to the horizon and zoning out, drivers have a lot going on when behind the wheel. It is easy to get distracted these days, and with how many wrecks and accidents take place each week, month, and year, clearly, drivers aren't always paying attention to the road. When it comes to distracted driving, which states are the worst, and how does Idaho compare to the rest of the country? 

The Best and Worst States For Distracted Drivers

Everyone seems to be multitasking these days, even when behind the wheel. It can be posting a reel, scrolling through social media, sending a text, talking on the phone, or dealing with something in the car, like spilled water, kids, or dropping a snack. Recently, ccdlaw.com released a study of the states with the most distracted drivers and the least distracted drivers. According to the study, the most distracted drivers are in New Mexico, with the second most being in Louisiana, and the third most being in Kansas. The least distracted drivers are in California, the second least distracted are in Nevada, and the third are in Michigan. Where does Idaho fall on this list? Drivers in the Gem State are the ninth most distracted drivers, which might explain all the wrecks that happen each year. 

Distracted Driving in Idaho

What exactly is distracting all these drivers and taking their focus off the roads? According to the study, 76 percent of those polled admitted that they reach for their phone for directions, with 54 percent saying they are answering a call. Some decide to use their phones in traffic, with 44 percent saying they are on their phone in slow or stopped traffic, and 43 percent say they change the song when driving. Interestingly, drivers in Idaho are the least likely to be watching a video while driving and the least likely to be scrolling on social media when behind the wheel. Do drivers view distracted driving as dangerous, though? 78 percent said it is equally as dangerous as drunk driving, while 19 percent said drunk driving is worse, and 3 percent said distracted driving is. 

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If you want to read the full study, make sure to click the link in the second paragraph above. Put down your phone when behind the wheel and pay attention to the road. It may seem like a text, a call, or a quick look away isn't a big deal, but if you and another driver are doing it at the same time, it could cost both of you your lives. Don't be distracted when driving in Idaho.