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American Cities with the Best Drivers

When it comes to driving, some cities feel like smooth, effortless cruises, while others seem more like scenes from a high-speed chase. But which American cities truly have the best drivers? To answer that, we’ve tapped into anonymized connected driving data collected by Allstate’s mobility data and analytics partner, Arity, to rank the most populous U.S. urban areas. And no, we're not just guessing — this is real, data-driven insight into actual driving behavior.

By diving into the nitty-gritty of daily driving habits, they looked at things like phone handling (yes, they're watching you text at stoplights), high-speed driving (some of you seem to think speed limits are optional), and hard braking (brake-checking anyone?). This is a deep dive into how drivers behave behind the wheel — both the good and the bad.

So buckle up as we take you on a coast-to-coast tour of America’s driving habits. Which cities are cruising along with caution, and which ones are leaving rubber on the road? Whether you're the type who loves the open highway or you’d rather crawl through traffic, this list offers an eye-opening look at how America drives today. Some cities’ driving behaviors might even surprise you — so prepare for a few shocks along the way!

Dayton, OH

Dayton, OH
  • Overall Rank: 15
  • Hard Braking Rank: 12
  • High-Speed Rank: 42
  • Phone Handling Rank: 42

Dayton lands at #15, showing solid driving behavior in terms of hard braking, where it ranks #12 — drivers here tend to keep things smooth and controlled. However, both high-speed driving and phone handling could use improvement, with rankings of #42 in each category.

This suggests that while Dayton drivers avoid extreme braking, they might need to ease off the accelerator a little more often and stay more focused on the road. With a bit more attention to reducing speed and phone distractions, Dayton could improve its standing. Stay steady, Dayton — just keep that phone down!

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Columbus, OH

Columbus, OH
  • Overall Rank: 14
  • Hard Braking Rank: 14
  • High-Speed Rank: 46
  • Phone Handling Rank: 34

Columbus takes the #14 spot, with solid performance in hard braking, ranking #14 — drivers here know how to avoid abrupt stops. However, there’s room for improvement when it comes to high-speed driving, as Columbus ranks #46 in that category, indicating that drivers may push the limits a bit too often.

Phone handling is also an area that could use some attention, with a rank of #34 suggesting moderate distraction. Despite these challenges, Columbus drivers demonstrate a fairly balanced approach to the road. With more focus on speed control and phone use, Columbus could easily climb higher on the list.

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Baltimore, MD

Baltimore, MD
  • Overall Rank: 13
  • Hard Braking Rank: 48
  • High-Speed Rank: 13
  • Phone Handling Rank: 32

Baltimore grabs the #13 spot, showing mixed results across driving behaviors. While the city’s drivers are solid when it comes to managing speed, ranking #13 for high-speed driving, they struggle a bit with hard braking, landing at #48. This suggests that while drivers generally keep a steady pace, they could work on avoiding sudden stops.

Phone handling also ranks #32, indicating some room for improvement in minimizing distractions. Despite these areas for growth, Baltimore drivers aren’t all bad behind the wheel. With a bit more focus on smooth braking and reducing distractions, the city could easily improve its ranking.

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San Antonio, TX

San Antonio, TX
  • Overall Rank: 12
  • Hard Braking Rank: 16
  • High-Speed Rank: 68
  • Phone Handling Rank: 8

San Antonio takes the #12 spot, showing strong performance in phone handling, where it ranks #8. Drivers here seem to keep their attention on the road, minimizing distractions. However, there's room for improvement in both high-speed driving and hard braking.

With a rank of #68 for high-speed driving, San Antonio drivers tend to push the pedal a bit too hard. The #16 ranking for hard braking suggests that while drivers avoid extreme stops, there’s still some work to be done. If San Antonio can dial back the speed and smooth out the braking, this Texas city could rise higher in the ranks.

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Cleveland, OH

Cleveland, OH
  • Overall Rank: 11
  • Hard Braking Rank: 3
  • High-Speed Rank: 28
  • Phone Handling Rank: 60

Cleveland ranks #11, standing out for its impressive performance in hard braking, where it takes the #3 spot — drivers here know how to maintain smooth, controlled stops. However, when it comes to high-speed driving, Cleveland drivers could use a little more restraint, ranking #28.

Phone handling is another area that needs attention, with a ranking of #60, suggesting that distractions are a bit too common on the roads. Despite these challenges, Cleveland drivers are generally cautious and safe in terms of braking. With a bit more focus on speed and reducing phone distractions, Cleveland could easily improve its standing.

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Reno, NV

Reno, NV
  • Overall Rank: 10
  • Hard Braking Rank: 41
  • High-Speed Rank: 14
  • Phone Handling Rank: 33

Reno lands at #10, showing decent driving habits but with room for improvement in a few areas. While the city’s drivers manage to control their speed well, ranking #14 for high-speed driving, there's a bit of room for improvement in hard braking, where they land at #41.

Phone handling also ranks somewhat higher at #33, suggesting that distraction behind the wheel is still an issue. Despite these hiccups, Reno drivers are generally steady on the road, maintaining a good balance between speed and caution. With more focus on reducing sudden stops and phone distractions, Reno could easily climb higher on the list.

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Harrisburg, PA

Harrisburg, PA
  • Overall Rank: 9
  • Hard Braking Rank: 8
  • High-Speed Rank: 45
  • Phone Handling Rank: 35

Harrisburg earns the #9 spot, with a commendable performance in hard braking, where it ranks #8. Drivers here seem to have a good handle on maintaining smooth driving and avoiding abrupt stops. However, Harrisburg drivers could benefit from working on their speed control, as the city ranks #45 in high-speed driving.

Phone handling also needs some attention, ranking #35, indicating a moderate level of distraction. Despite these areas for improvement, Harrisburg drivers manage to keep their overall driving habits relatively safe and steady. With a little more focus on controlling speed and reducing distractions, Harrisburg could easily climb higher on the list.

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Washington, DC

Washington, DC
  • Overall Rank: 8
  • Hard Braking Rank: 49
  • High-Speed Rank: 12
  • Phone Handling Rank: 17

Washington, DC secures the #8 spot, with a mix of good and not-so-good driving habits. While the nation’s capital impresses with solid high-speed control and reasonable phone handling, it lags behind in hard braking — ranking #49.

DC drivers clearly know how to stay composed in traffic and keep their pace in check, but those frequent sudden stops could be a sign of stress or impatience on busy streets.

While phone use behind the wheel isn’t as high as some other cities, there’s still room for improvement. Washington, DC drivers are generally doing well, but with a little more focus on braking, they could cruise their way to a higher rank.

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Spokane, WA

Spokane, WA
  • Overall Rank: 7
  • Hard Braking Rank: 7
  • High-Speed Rank: 2
  • Phone Handling Rank: 69

Spokane lands at #7, earning high marks for controlled driving, particularly in high-speed situations where it ranks an impressive #2. With a solid performance in hard braking, Spokane drivers show they're good at maintaining smooth and steady control on the road.

However, phone handling could use some serious improvement — ranking #69, it's clear some drivers are distracted behind the wheel. Despite this, Spokane’s overall safe driving habits make it one of the top contenders for best drivers. With a little more focus on reducing distractions, Spokane drivers could easily move even further up the list.

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Richmond, VA

Richmond, VA
  • Overall Rank: 6
  • Hard Braking Rank: 21
  • High-Speed Rank: 30
  • Phone Handling Rank: 22

Richmond takes the #6 spot with a respectable overall ranking, though there’s room for improvement in a few areas. While the city’s drivers do a solid job at avoiding hard braking, they could improve when it comes to managing high speeds and phone handling, both of which rank a little higher than ideal.

Richmond’s streets are busy, but drivers here still seem to keep their cool — most of the time. Whether navigating through the historic downtown or heading out on the open road, Richmond’s drivers show that they’re committed to improving their road habits. With a little more focus on speed control and phone use, Richmond could easily rise even higher.

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Virginia Beach, VA

Virginia Beach, VA
  • Overall Rank: 5
  • Hard Braking Rank: 32
  • High-Speed Rank: 11
  • Phone Handling Rank: 14

Virginia Beach earns the #5 spot with a solid performance across the board. While drivers here could stand to ease up on the brakes a bit (a little less slamming, please!), they impress with their high-speed control and phone handling, ranking well in both categories.

The city’s drivers seem to strike a nice balance between keeping things at a reasonable pace and staying focused behind the wheel. Whether cruising along the coast or navigating busy streets, Virginia Beach drivers are making sure they stay safe and responsible on the road. It’s clear that when it comes to driving, this coastal city has the right mix of caution and confidence.

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Portland, OR

Portland, OR
  • Overall Rank: 4
  • Hard Braking Rank: 38
  • High-Speed Rank: 4
  • Phone Handling Rank: 9

Portland takes the #4 spot, showing that it’s not just about craft beer and food trucks here — Portland drivers know how to navigate the roads with care. While the city could work on reducing hard braking (there's always room for improvement), Portland drivers excel in both high-speed control and phone handling.

The city’s drivers know how to stay calm on the accelerator and focused behind the wheel, making it one of the safest urban areas on the list. Whether cruising through the city or taking in the stunning Oregon landscape, Portland drivers show they’ve mastered both the art of caution and speed.

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Seattle, WA

Seattle, WA
  • Overall Rank: 3
  • Hard Braking Rank: 22
  • High-Speed Rank: 5
  • Phone Handling Rank: 6

Seattle lands in the #3 spot, demonstrating that Pacific Northwest drivers know how to balance speed and safety. While hard braking could use a little improvement (maybe slow down those quick stops!), Seattle drivers shine when it comes to high-speed driving and phone handling.

They manage to keep their foot off the pedal and their focus on the road, earning high marks for responsible behavior. Whether it’s navigating through rainy weather or rush-hour traffic, Seattle’s drivers take it in stride, proving that the Emerald City has more to offer than just coffee and tech.

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Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis, MN
  • Overall Rank: 2
  • Hard Braking Rank: 6
  • High-Speed Rank: 8
  • Phone Handling Rank: 13

Minneapolis claims the #2 spot in the rankings, proving that Midwestern drivers know how to keep their cool. Scoring solidly across the board, Minneapolis drivers excel in high-speed control and avoid abrupt braking, placing them in the top 10 for both categories.

While phone handling could use a little fine-tuning (no texting and driving, folks!), the city's overall driving behavior is impressive. Whether navigating snowy roads or dealing with downtown congestion, Minneapolis drivers keep it smooth and steady, earning them a top-tier reputation for safe, responsible driving.

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Honolulu, HI

Honolulu, HI
  • Overall Rank: 1
  • Hard Braking Rank: 1
  • High-Speed Rank: 1
  • Phone Handling Rank: 18

Honolulu takes the top spot in the rankings of American cities with the best drivers, and for good reason. Not only does this Hawaiian city score #1 in both hard braking and high-speed driving, but its residents seem to handle the road with a remarkable level of caution.

While phone handling could use a little improvement (we’re looking at you, distracted drivers), Honolulu shines when it comes to controlled driving behaviors. Whether it's navigating the island's scenic routes or dealing with city traffic, Honolulu’s drivers are leading the pack in driving responsibly. Aloha to safe driving!

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