Car brands with the rudest drivers (2021) (2023)

Driving through holiday traffic can bring out the worst in any driver. As it turns out, the drivers of these five car brands exhibit rude driving behavior with elevated rates.

The holidays have officially started and bring a lot of joy – but also a lot of stress. Whether it's buying gifts for picky friends or hosting a house full of relatives, there's a lot to worry about this holiday season. In addition to these challenges, travel becomes particularly hectic at this time of year, as winter weather and congested roads result in stressful -- and more often dangerous -- driving conditions. It's no surprise, then, that motorists tend to be more nervous than usual during the holiday season, which unfortunately has detrimental effects. The number of deaths in motor vehicle accidents increases at this time of year: according to the National Safety Council, traffic deaths are 68% more common on New Year's Day than on non-holiday days.

Holiday stress can affect anyone, but it is no excuse for rude behavior on the road, especially since such behavior is not only reckless but also dangerous. Some of the most extreme forms of rude driving – like failing to comply or stopping – are exceptionally dangerous, and drivers should exercise extra caution around motorists whose behavior demonstrates wanton disregard for other road users. To educate drivers about safety on the roads this year, Insurify data scientists drew on their database of over 4 million auto insurance claims to identify the five car brands with the rudest drivers in 2021.

insights

• National Averages.2021,2,27 %of drivers in America have had at least one subpoena for rude driving in the past seven years.

• German cars abound.German manufacturers are known for producing some of the best made automobiles in the world. Unfortunately, drivers of these vehicles, regardless of brand, are also more likely to exhibit rude driving behavior (at least in America). Performance brands BMW and Audi, along with Volkswagen, make up three of the top five car brands with the rudest drivers, with Audi even taking first place overall.

• Driving politely: a luxury.Of all drivers, Buick owners are the most well behaved in 2021. In fact only1,68 %the Buick driver reported a previous subpoena for rude driving, a share that is26% lowerthan the national average. It seems that cruising the streets in style is easy for Buick drivers.

methodology

To identify the car brands with the rudest drivers, data scientists polled Insurify, a websiteCompare car insurance quotes, referred to their database of over 4 million auto insurance claims. When applying for motor insurance, applicants disclose the make and model of their current primary vehicle and any violations of their driving record within the past seven years. Insurify found that the following violations are the most indicative of rude driving:Failure to respect infractions (failing to give way, failing to respect a pedestrian),Failure to stop violations (failure to stop at a red light, school bus, or stop sign),improper support,Pass where prohibited,Tailgating,street racing, Andhit and run. Analysts compared the number of drivers with at least one of the above violations driving a particular make of car to the total number of drivers driving that make of car. The brands with the highest proportion of drivers with these penalties were identified as the car brands with the rudest drivers.

For each of the top five car brands, Insurify's data scientists also identified the car model with the highest proportion of rude drivers and the car model with the lowest proportion of rude drivers. These car models were named "worst offender" and "best behaved," respectively.

The results in this article represent statistical trends found in Insurify's database of over 4 million auto insurance claims. The results of this study are not intended to imply the direction, nor necessarily the existence, of a causal relationship. Rather, it is a representation of statistical relationships of public interest.

5 car brands with the rudest drivers

5. Hyundai

• Hyundai drivers with a previous rude driving subpoena:2.57% (13% higher than national average)

• Worst Offender:Hyundai Genesis Coupe (3.49% of drivers who reported a rude driving summons)

• Best brought up:Hyundai Azera (1.72% of drivers who previously reported rude driving)

Hyundai is known for making reliable vehicles with budget-friendly prices, making them the epitome of practicality. So it might come as a surprise that Hyundai ranks fifth on the list of car brands with the rudest drivers. 2.57% of Hyundai owners have a subpoena for rude driving, a rate that is 13% higher than the national average. Hyundai's worst offender is the Genesis coupe, one of the brand's sportiest vehicles. Its drivers are reported for rude driving a whopping 54% more times than the average driver.

4. BMW

• BMW driver with prior accusation of rough driving:2.67% (18% higher than national average)

• Worst Offender:BMW 4 Series (4.17% of drivers report a previous summons for rude driving)

• Best brought up:BMW X3 (1.61% of drivers reported a previous rude driving summons)

It's a common stereotype that BMW drivers aren't the best drivers on the road. Perhaps the temptation to unleash the power of the automobile at their disposal is leading to some questionable decisions on the roads, as BMW drivers are 18% more likely than the national average to be prosecuted for rude driving. However, some BMW owners are bucking this trend: just 1.61% of BMW X3 drivers have a gross driving offense on record, a proportion that is 29% below the national average.

3. Mazda

• Mazda drivers with a previous rude driving subpoena:2.72% (20% higher than national average)

• Worst Offender:Mazda CX-3 (3.35% of drivers reporting a previous rude driving summons)

• Best brought up:Mazda Mazda2 (1.61% of drivers who reported a rude driving subpoena)

Mazda combines sleek design, sporty feel and affordable prices to produce a range of vehicles with widespread appeal. However, these eye-catching features also appeal to drivers who are more prone to rude driving behavior. With 2.72% of Mazda drivers who have already served a rude driving subpoena, Mazda ranks third on the list of car brands with the most rude drivers. Its worst offender, the Mazda CX-3, has drivers who commit rude driving offenses a whopping 48% more often than the average driver.

2. Volkswagen

• Volkswagen driver previously accused of rough driving:2.73% (20% higher than national average)

• Worst Offender:Volkswagen Golf (3.27% of drivers who reported a rude driving summons)

• Best brought up:Volkswagen Atlas (0.91% of drivers who previously reported rude driving)

Volkswagen is known for its iconic "Love Bug" coupe, so it may come as a surprise to find that the brand's drivers are exhibiting an increased rate of downright loveless driving. In fact, Volkswagen ranks second overall on the list of car brands with the rudest drivers. 2.73% of drivers have a rude driving warning, a proportion that is 20% higher than the national average. However, Atlas drivers stand out from the rest of the Volkswagen owners. Only 0.91% of Atlas drivers have a report of rude driving, which is not only the lowest proportion of any best behaved model among the top 5 brands with the rudest drivers, but also one of the lowest proportions of any vehicle brand and - models the street.

1. Audi

• Audi drivers with a previous driving ban:2.85% (26% higher than national average)

• Worst Offender:Audi A4 Allroad (4.36% of drivers reported a previous summons for rude driving)

• Best brought up:Audi Q5 (1.72% of drivers reported a previous summons for rude driving)

With a whopping 2.85% of Audi drivers having previously recorded a rude driving violation, Audi tops the list of car brands with the rudest drivers in 2021. All but two models of Audi — the Q3 and Q5 — have owners with above-average rates of rude driving, led by the Audi A4 Allroad. The A4 Allroad Audi isn't just the worst offender, it's thesecond largest modelamong all cars on the road, according to Insurify analysis. Overall, Audi drivers are 26% more likely to be accused of rude driving than the average driver.

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