The 10 Cities With America’s Worst Drivers

Driving in cities on the East Coast doesn’t sound too appealing, based on the latest edition of the Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report. Of the 200 most populated cities in the country, 9 of the 10 places where it’s least safe to drive are located in eastern states. Three of them are in Massachusetts.

The annual report from Allstate, now in its 10th year, analyzes collision frequency of Allstate-insured drivers in the 200 cities, in addition to effects weather conditions, population and city density have on the safety of driving in those cities. Using that data, Allstate ranks the cities from safest to most dangerous, though it’s important to note the data is based on drivers with Allstate insurance, not all drivers in the city.

Here are the 10 cities with the worst drivers, according to the report:

10. New Haven, Conn.
Average number of years between accidents: 6.3

9. Philadelphia
Average number of years between accidents: 6.2

8. Alexandria, Va.
Average number of years between accidents: 5.9

7. Glendale, Calif.
Average number of years between accidents: 5.8

6. Baltimore
Average number of years between accidents: 5.4

5. Providence
Average number of years between accidents: 5.4

4. Springfield, Mass.
Average number of years between accidents: 5.4

3. Washington, D.C.
Average number of years between accidents: 5.1

2. Boston
Average number of years between accidents: 4.4

1. Worcester, Mass.
Average number of years between accidents: 4.3

There are other factors that determined rankings besides average number of years between accidents, but it’s one of the more stand-out statistics. For example, on the other end of the spectrum, the average number of years between accidents for Allstate drivers in Fort Collins, Colo., (No. 1) is 14.2 years.

Other than the risk that weather and other drivers pose, geography can have a significant impact on your auto insurance premiums (this Allstate report doesn’t include impact on premiums, though). States have different minimum-coverage requirements, and in some states, your credit standing may make a difference in monthly insurance payment.

Insurance rates vary by vehicle make and model, so there’s a lot to consider when deciding the kind of car you can afford. For your best chances at qualifying for an auto loan with a low interest rate, and in some cases, a low insurance premium, work to improve your credit standing before car shopping. You can check two of your credit scores for free on Credit.com, with updates every 30 days to help you see your progress as you try to improve.

More on Auto Loans:

• Are There Car Loans for People With Bad Credit?
• What to Do If You Can’t Make Your Car Payments
• Top 5 Worst Car Buying Mistakes

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