Best state for new drivers: Where CT ranks

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – Connecticut is one of the best states for new drivers, according to a report.

Private financial website WalletHub.com released its report on the “best and worst states for new drivers in 2024” on Tuesday.

Connecticut ended up in sixth place.

The state did well with its laws against texting while driving and its driver’s license programming laws for teens.

WalletHub said it compared the 50 states on 23 key metrics. The data included the number of teen driver deaths, the average cost of car repairs and the presence of laws against driving under the influence.

Here’s how Connecticut’s metrics that contributed to its overall ranking were evaluated:

• 20. Fatalities among teenage drivers per 100,000 young people
• 14. in drunk driving offences per 100,000 young people
• 1st place if there are laws against distracted driving/texting while driving
• 14. Increase in premium after inclusion of the young driver in the parents’ policy
• 1st place in providing legislation for the gradual issuing of driving licences for young people
• 11th place in vehicle miles driven per capita
• 29. in the presence of laws to protect residents
• 23. in the presence of laws against driving under the influence of alcohol

Summer is a popular time for teens to get their driver’s license, and teen car accidents cost parents around $40.7 billion annually, according to WalletHub.

“Learning to drive is an exciting experience for teens, but the process is equally nerve-wracking for their parents, who know the risks of driving from experience,” said Cassandra Happe, an analyst at WalletHub. “The best states for teen drivers promote safety through easy access to driving courses, strict laws for bad behavior on the road, and well-maintained roads. They also have residents who drive safely and obey the law. Additionally, some states minimize the cost of insurance and gas, which is a huge plus when prices are high.”

Before Connecticut were the states of New York, Oregon, New Jersey, Washington and Massachusetts.

The worst states were Wyoming, Missouri and Montana.

The full report can be found on the WalletHub website Here.

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