Top Countries with the Worst Drivers

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2025’s List of Countries with the Most Problematic Drivers

In the latest global survey conducted by The Travel, several countries stand out for their driving habits that often raise safety concerns. From urban streets to rural highways, some nations grapple with traffic issues that have considerable implications for road safety. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the nations with the most notorious driving behaviors in 2025, presented as a listicle for easier understanding.

United States: A Land of Varied Driving Skills

Despite being home to some of the world’s most advanced transportation infrastructure, the United States still encounters challenges with reckless driving, distracted motorists, and a high incidence of traffic violations. Major cities like Los Angeles and Houston are often cited for congested roads and impatient drivers, leading to higher accident rates compared to other developed nations. The mixture of urban congestion and varying driver education levels has contributed to the country’s reputation.

Turkey: Navigating Chaos on the Roads

Turkey’s busy streets are known for their frenetic pace and sometimes unpredictable driving patterns. Particularly in Istanbul, the traffic is characterized by aggressive maneuvers, frequent lane changes, and occasional disregard for traffic signals. These habits contribute to a worrying record of road accidents, making Turkey one of the top countries with problematic drivers.

Brazil: Combating Traffic Violations and Road Safety

Brazil’s sprawling urban areas like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are notorious for chaotic traffic conditions. Traffic violations such as speeding, running red lights, and neglecting seatbelt laws are frequent, putting both drivers and pedestrians at risk. Despite efforts by authorities, managing the sheer volume of vehicles remains an ongoing challenge.

Philippines: Congestion and Road Safety Concerns

In the Philippines, congested urban streets combined with inconsistent enforcement of traffic laws create a hazardous environment. Motorcycles weaving between cars, sudden stops, and lax driving discipline often lead to accidents. The country’s rapid urbanization demands stricter traffic management to improve safety standards.

Romania: Challenging Road Conditions and Driver Behavior

Romania struggles with driver education and poor road maintenance, which together contribute to unsafe driving habits. Road rage, speeding, and non-compliance with road rules have led to a higher rate of accidents, especially outside major cities. The country continues to work on improving driver training programs and infrastructure.

Iran: Cultural and Infrastructure Challenges

Iran’s drivers are often criticized for aggressive driving styles and disregard for traffic regulations. Political sanctions have impacted road infrastructure development, leading to dilapidated roads in some regions. As a result, unsafe driving practices become more prevalent among the population.

Mozambique: Developing Infrastructure and Safety Measures

Mozambique faces a steep road safety challenge due to insufficient infrastructure and limited enforcement of traffic laws. Road accidents, often caused by reckless driving and poor vehicle maintenance, pose a significant threat to public safety.

Ghana: Hope for Improved Road Safety

While Ghana is making strides towards better road safety, challenges remain with inconsistent law enforcement and driver training. The increase in vehicle registrations has led to more traffic violations, raising concerns over road safety improvements.

Indonesia: Navigating Crowded and Chaotic Roads

Indonesia’s vast archipelago faces unique traffic challenges, from congested cities like Jakarta to rural areas. Irregular driving patterns, overloaded vehicles, and limited traffic regulation enforcement contribute to a high accident frequency.

Libya and Liberia: Post-War Infrastructure and Safety Gaps

Both Libya and Liberia face significant hurdles due to lingering post-conflict infrastructure issues. Unsafe driving habits persist amid poorly maintained roads, often exacerbating accident rates in these nations.

Mexico, Nigeria, and Malawi: Rapid Growth, Road Safety Risks

Mexico, Nigeria, and Malawi are experiencing rapid urbanization and vehicle adoption, but road safety measures lag behind. Speeding, driving under the influence, and poor road conditions regularly result in tragic accidents.

Thailand, Russia, and India: Environment and Behavior Factors

Thailand’s bustling streets, Russia’s snowy and icy roads, and India’s densely populated urban centers all contribute to challenging driving environments. Driver inattention, aggressive driving, and infrastructure limitations are common issues.

China, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt: Divergent Road Conditions

China’s rapid development has improved road safety but challenges remain in rural zones. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and Egypt face issues with speeding, non-compliance with traffic laws, and infrastructural disparities across regions.

Lebanon, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic: Political and Economic Impact

Political instability and economic hardships influence driving behaviors in Lebanon, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic. These factors often hinder road safety enforcement, leading to chaotic and dangerous driving conditions.

Italy and Vietnam: Cultural Factors and Traffic Management

Italy’s narrow streets and historical centers sometimes complicate traffic management, leading to impatient driving. Vietnam faces heavy traffic congestion, made worse by a high number of motorbikes and limited traffic regulation enforcement.

This list underscores the importance of continuous efforts in driver education, infrastructure investment, and enforcement of traffic laws worldwide. Improving road safety remains a shared priority to reduce accidents and save lives.

Note: Data sourced from The Travel – 2025