New Hampshire Has the Best Drivers in the Country But Worst in Wearing Seat Belts

Editor's note: This article was written by a Townsquare Media Northern New England contributor and may contain the individual's views, opinions or personal experiences.

New Hampshire has the best drivers in the nation?  Really?  I mean, I'm not here to judge. I just always find these studies so randomly interesting considering we're kind of known for complaining about drivers all over New England, especially Massachusetts.

Anyway, in reality, we know these lists utilize lots of statistics as Quote Wizard did for these rankings.

And get this, New Hampshire jumps 16 spots to number one from its 2020 ranking.  I mean, wow. What's in the water to have such a change in the live free or die state?  The Granite State took over this #1 slot because according to Quote Wizard, it has the lowest number of citations, speeding tickets, accidents, and DUIs in the country.

The Granite State is one of the lowest states for speeders at #40, accidents at #42, DUI's at # 46, and citations at #49.

What's crazy yet absolutely wonderful about New Hampshire's #42 ranking in the country for DUI's is that it ranks #2 in the country for states that drink the most beer.  Clearly having a designated driver is a priority.

Where New Hampshire lacks big time is seat belt usage.  According to Quote Wizard, in 62% of New Hampshire fatalities, those killed weren't wearing a seatbelt and only 71% of New Hampshirites wear seatbelts.  I personally cannot imagine not wearing one.  I'd totally feel naked without one.   By the way, that 71% is the lowest in the country, putting New Hampshire as the worst for wearing seatbelts.

No surprise, I guess, since New Hampshire is the only state in the country that doesn't have a seat belt law except for anyone 17 years old and younger.  Personally I find that horrific, and the fatalities prove the danger that this lack of a law causes.