Florida Ranks Among Riskiest States for Drivers, New Data Shows

Florida has emerged as one of the most dangerous places to drive in the U.S., with cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale leading in risky driving behaviors, according to new research from the safety app Life360.

Analyzing billions of data points, Life360 found that five of the top eight crash-prone metro areas are in Florida, with South Florida drivers particularly prone to rapid acceleration and hard braking — both strong indicators of crash risk. Fort Lauderdale ranks second in the nation for rapid acceleration incidents.

Mike Zeman, a spokesperson for Life360, explained that the app uses GPS and phone sensors to track behaviors like speeding, sudden stops, and crashes — defined as hitting an object while driving 25 mph or faster.

Risky driving is not exclusive to Florida. Nationally, 86% of drivers admit to being distracted by technology, and 27% have changed clothes or applied makeup while driving. Among Gen Z drivers, nearly half say they’ve watched videos behind the wheel.

“Gen Z is a highly connected generation,” Zeman said. “Notifications and messages make staying focused on the road even harder.”

Parents are increasingly turning to apps like Life360 to monitor teen drivers. Heidi O’Connor, a mother of twins, says the app helps her guide her kids’ driving habits without hovering.

“We use the data to start conversations, not punish,” she said. “It gives them freedom, and us peace of mind.”

Life360 recommends families regularly review driving reports and talk openly about safe driving. Raising awareness, they say, is a crucial step in reducing risky behavior and preventing crashes.