We Ranked the Worst Cities in the US to Drive In — #1 Will Surprise You

America has some of the busiest cities in the world, with over 200 million drivers on the road. However, busier roads are more prone to accidents. In fact, the US has more motor-vehicle-related fatalities than any other developed country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To determine which cities deserve the most poor driving reputations, we’ve compared some of the worst American cities to drive in.

#40. Spokane, Washington

Spokane may be a thriving urban city, but many drivers complain that its roads aren't designed well enough for the high volume of traffic constantly passing through. The Street Maintenance Division also reports fixing thousands of potholes there every year, indicating poor driving conditions.

#40. Spokane, Washington
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Surprisingly, winter isn't Spokane's deadliest driving season; it's summer. The roads become more congested with holiday traffic, increasing the likelihood of fatal vehicular accidents. On top of congestion, Spokane's drivers regularly make risky decisions, and multiple instances of road rage have been reported in 2024.

#39. Seattle, Washington

Washington is a popular state for Americans looking to relocate and tourists looking for somewhere to visit, but that popularity comes at a price. Seattle, in particular, is incredibly busy. According to Axios, drivers in Seattle lost an average of 58 hours to bad traffic in 2023.

#39. Seattle, Washington
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This increased number of cars on Seattle roads has caused a decline in quality. Like other cities in Washington, Spokane, Seattle is also plagued by deep potholes, which damage cars. The city is also famously rainy, creating slick road surfaces and reducing driver visibility.

#38. Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee is a well-connected city, but its roads can be challenging for even experienced drivers. These circumstances are made worse because over 50% of the city's roads are in poor condition, with deep potholes and uneven surfaces threatening drivers' safety.

#38. Milwaukee, Wisconsin
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Reckless driving and road rage have also contributed to the number of car crashes and traffic casualties in Milwaukee. Speeding is a problem, as evidenced by records of speeding tickets and crash reports within the city. When combined with the deteriorated roads, driving in Milwaukee can be risky.

#37. Orlando, Florida

Thanks to its top tourist attractions, Orlando is one of the most popular cities in both Florida and the wider United States. As a result, traffic regularly becomes congested, especially during rush hour and near the Walt Disney World Resort.

#37. Orlando, Florida
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Poor driving in Orlando is the primary cause for its high insurance rates. The mix of nervous tourists and frustrated locals often leads to aggressive driving incidents, though Orlando is not the worst city in Florida for road rage or poor vehicle handling.