North Dakota’s ranking might come as a surprise to many who associate the state more with prairies than perilous roads. But according to LendingTree, North Dakotans rack up an alarming 64 incidents per 1,000 drivers—more than any other U.S. state.

But it’s not just North Dakota that gets a bad rap in the study. New Jersey also makes headlines for its aggressive driving behavior and high rates of accidents. And while Los Angeles is often depicted as having some of the worst traffic, California only ranks fifth overall on this list.

The findings highlight how dangerous roads aren’t always confined to big cities or states with notorious reputations. For instance, Rhode Island rounds out the top five for incidents despite its smaller size and population compared to other high-ranking states like New Jersey and North Dakota.

However, not all is grim on America’s highways. Michigan tops the list of best driving states with only 20.9 incidents per 1,000 drivers. Florida comes in second, which might surprise some given its reputation for chaotic traffic during tourist season.

The takeaway? Whether you’re heading out for the holidays or just commuting daily, it pays to be extra cautious on North Dakota’s roads. But don’t forget to keep your eyes open wherever you go—safe driving habits are a must no matter where you live!

The post North Dakota Named Worst State for Drivers in New Study appeared first on Auto Global News – Global Car News & Reviews.

One common mistake drivers make is moving back into their lane too quickly after passing a semi-truck. It’s tempting to squeeze between the truck and another vehicle, but this puts you in danger because semis need much longer stopping distances than smaller vehicles do.

The second issue involves tailgating or following closely behind a semi-trailer. Not only is it dangerous due to reduced visibility for both parties, but drafting—a practice where drivers follow very close to the truck to reduce wind resistance—can be illegal and unsafe. The blind spots on these trucks are enormous, making you invisible to the driver.

Another critical mistake is failing to understand how semi-trucks maneuver differently from cars. Their size means they need more space for turns and lane changes. A common oversight by car drivers is not giving enough room when passing a truck or merging near one. Remember that these vehicles have limited visibility, especially on the right side where there’s no mirror.

Lastly, it’s important to recognize your own vehicle’s capabilities compared to those of trucks. Modern cars are equipped with advanced safety features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warnings, but they can’t compensate for poor driving habits around larger vehicles. Older models lacked such technology entirely, relying solely on driver awareness.

In conclusion, driving near semis requires extra caution and awareness of their unique characteristics. By avoiding common mistakes like sudden lane changes or tailgating, you can help keep everyone safer on the road.

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