Author: Charleston Daily

Charleston Daily is a concept in community. Its mission is to promote, assist, and celebrate in everything Charleston, South Carolina. By partnering with businesses, community leaders, volunteers and events, we are spreading the love that is Charleston. As this city continues to grow and prosper, we want to help spread the message to all about how wonderful this community is. Charleston is about the people, community, water, land, history, heritage and the true southern warmth it brings with each and every day.

Food & Bev - Mount Pleasant, SC

One Mount Pleasant, SC Restaurant Named to Condé Nast Traveler Best in the World

December 22, 2016 by 7 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

Condé Nast Traveler just announced the 207 best restaurants in the world to dine at and one area restaurant made the list.  Before we go there let us see how the rest of the United States faired (Then again the image at the top may have given it away for some).

19 – New York
14 – California
3 – Illinois
3 – Massachusetts
3 – Texas
2 – Washington State
2 – Louisiana
2 – Georgia
1 – Florida
1 – Hawaii
1 – Indiana
1 – Maryland
1 – Nevada
1 – Oregon
1 – Pennsylvania
1 – South Carolina
1 – Tennessee
1 – Virginia
1 – Vermont

Total:  60 (29% of World Total)

South Carolina is represented by:  The Wreck of Richard and Charlene

Congratulations to all the amazing people at The Wreck that share the love of coastal dining right here in Mount Pleasant.

 

Full Menu

 

 

 

South Carolina is 10th Fastest Growing State in Raw Population Growth Based on Latest Census Report

December 21, 2016 by 0 Comments

On Tuesday, the US Census released its latest population numbers from July 1, 2015 to July 1, 2016.  The fastest growing state by percentage was Utah and the state losing the highest percentage was Illinois.  South Carolina did not make the top 10 in percentage growth, but we did crack the top ten at #10 raw growth with 66,285 new residents joining our state.

Now it is official, in raw population growth, South Carolina is the 10th fast growing state in the country in the last year.

Below are charts of the Top 10 Most Populous States, Raw Growth and Percentage Growth between the period of July 1, 2015 – July 1, 2016.

Top 10 Most Populous States: 2016

Rank Name 2010 2015 2016
1 California 37,254,522 38,993,940 39,250,017
2 Texas 25,146,100 27,429,639 27,862,596
3 Florida 18,804,592 20,244,914 20,612,439
4 New York 19,378,110 19,747,183 19,745,289
5 Illinois 12,831,574 12,839,047 12,801,539
6 Pennsylvania 12,702,857 12,791,904 12,784,227
7 Ohio 11,536,727 11,605,090 11,614,373
8 Georgia 9,688,680 10,199,398 10,310,371
9 North Carolina 9,535,688 10,035,186 10,146,788
10 Michigan 9,884,129 9,917,715 9,928,300

Top 10 States in Numeric Growth: 2015 to 2016

Rank Name 2010 2015 2016 Numeric change
1 Texas 25,146,100 27,429,639 27,862,596 432,957
2 Florida 18,804,592 20,244,914 20,612,439 367,525
3 California 37,254,522 38,993,940 39,250,017 256,077
4 Washington 6,724,545 7,160,290 7,288,000 127,710
5 Arizona 6,392,301 6,817,565 6,931,071 113,506
6 North Carolina 9,535,688 10,035,186 10,146,788 111,602
7 Georgia 9,688,680 10,199,398 10,310,371 110,973
8 Colorado 5,029,324 5,448,819 5,540,545 91,726
9 Oregon 3,831,072 4,024,634 4,093,465 68,831
10 South Carolina 4,625,410 4,894,834 4,961,119 66,285

Top 10 States in Percentage Growth: 2015 to 2016

Rank Name 2010 2015 2016 Percent change
1 Utah 2,763,888 2,990,632 3,051,217 2.03
2 Nevada 2,700,691 2,883,758 2,940,058 1.95
3 Idaho 1,567,650 1,652,828 1,683,140 1.83
4 Florida 18,804,592 20,244,914 20,612,439 1.82
5 Washington 6,724,545 7,160,290 7,288,000 1.78
6 Oregon 3,831,072 4,024,634 4,093,465 1.71
7 Colorado 5,029,324 5,448,819 5,540,545 1.68
8 Arizona 6,392,301 6,817,565 6,931,071 1.66
9 District of Columbia 601,766 670,377 681,170 1.61
10 Texas 25,146,100 27,429,639 27,862,596 1.58

The Way We Were: Scattered Pictures of Charleston, SC Through The Years

December 20, 2016 by 2 Comments

It is time for another installment of the way we were (minus the Barbara Streisand music).  Let us walk together though this virtual time machine and see Charleston once again through the years.  Through the good and bad, laughter and tears.  This is our home and what changes we have seen.

Ashley Hall students 1939
Ashley Hall students 1939

 

McCrory's Charleston 1980's
McCrory’s Charleston 1980’s

 

Porter-Gaud cheerleaders 1969
Porter-Gaud cheerleaders 1969

 

Charleston, SC 1937
Charleston, SC 1937

 

 

Old Charleston Restaurant Newspaper Ad
Old Charleston Restaurant Newspaper Ad

 

King Street 1902
King Street 1902

 

Charleston City Railway Ticket
Charleston City Railway Ticket

 

Charleston City Railway Car
Charleston City Railway Car

 

The Charleston Hotel 1930's
The Charleston Hotel 1930’s

 

Old Cooper River Bridge Card - Mount Pleasant Side
Old Cooper River Bridge Card – Mount Pleasant Side

 

Jenkins Orphanage Band 1920's
Jenkins Orphanage Band 1920’s

 

College of Charleston women 1920's
College of Charleston women 1920’s

 

Magnolia Plantation 1920's
Magnolia Plantation 1920’s

We hope you enjoyed this walk down memory lane.

 

 

 

I Hope You Dance: Advice on Life You Should Never Forget

December 19, 2016 by 0 Comments

“The greatest risk in life is taking the chance on life.”

“Let us praise famous men and our fathers that begat us. All these men were honoured in their generations and were a glory in their days. We are here today to give thanks for the life of Harold Abrahams. To honour the legend. Now there are just two of us – young Aubrey Montague and myself – who can close our eyes and remember those few young men with hope in our hearts and wings on our heels.” – Lord Andrew Lindsay – Chariots of Fire

On one sunny afternoon in the Bronx, Derek Jeter, right off the disabled list, danced his way into the history books acting out a script that could have been written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by James Cameron. It was a poetic journey as the Captain of the New York Yankees became the first player in pinstripes to strike 3000 hits in his career as he launched a home run decisively into the outfield bleachers. As 54,000 fans and millions of viewers stood to honor the man and the achievement for over five minutes, it was clear that this was not an isolated moment in sports history. This was a moment, drafted in the stars and played out as fairy dust fell from the heavens. Derek would go five for five including the game winning hit on this day, but as he hugged each one of his teammates and remembered those that were not there with him, he embraced a moment that will forever be in his and our hearts.

Derek danced.

Life is dictated by responsibility. Responsibility for the financial well-being of ourselves and our families. Responsibility for defining the morals that we bestow. Responsibility leading a life that our parents had set for us. Out of respect and admiration for our upbringing, many feel the need to “pay back” our parents with a life of moral solitude.

Yet, are we risk adverse because of the fear of harm or the perception that if we step into the unknown we become vulnerable and thus open the door for predators to take advantage of our weakness.

The human mind is a challenging foe whose very existence is our greatest challenge. It numbs the senses and imparts the lessons of routine, comfort, stability and patience.

If you collect all of these thoughts, they are nothing more than barriers to the Dance.

We are a civilization that for millions of years has thrived on innovation. The ability to create what does not exist has set the standards for everything from fire to space travel.

The most memorable successes occur when our backs are against the wall, the resources are limited and your only support is the will to know you can accomplish anything.

You are the will, compassion, fortitude, and strength to release the greatness within you. We are raised to dream; to reach for the stars and accomplish anything. Life shouldn’t interfere with the innocent notions you had as a child. If anything, life should strengthen the desire to want to meet and exceed those goals. All of us, whether wealthy or poor, receive an invitation to the dance. Some go, some don’t, some stand in the corner while the very few who know that it is an honor to stand alone on the center of that dance floor and shine will become greater than even their own imagination could visualize.

To be free to spin, jump and twirl and see things in this world that only you can see; what a thought. It is that perception that will carry over into the next generation and history will remember you, the shy boy or girl that dared to step on that shiny floor and let your soul be naked for all to see.

It is time to dance.

Reach into the pockets of that dress or suit and find that list you created that has you reaching into the unknown and let it out. Don’t give up, don’t let go…Just make the unthinkable happen and enjoy the ride.

“Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to become the person you believe you were meant to be” – George Sheehan

 

70’s and 80’s Television Stars we Lost in 2016 (Some you may not even realize)

December 19, 2016 by 1 Comment

We lost a number of celebrities in 2016 that had an impact on my of our childhoods.  Some were on the forefront of the news while others passed quietly.  Here is a gallery of some of the key foundations of the 70’s and 80’s TV landscape that passed on in 2016.

Alan Thicke – Known for Growing Pains (69 Years Old)

Michu Meszaros – Played ALF (76 Years Old)

George Gaynes – Adopted Father of Punky Brewster (98 Years Old)

George-Gaynes-punky-brewster-tease-today-160217

Ron Glass – Known for Barney Miller and Firefly (71 Years Old)

Steven Hill – Known for Law and Order (94 Years Old)

Pat Harrington Jr. – Known for One Day At A Time (86 Years Old)

Abe Vigoda – Known for Barney Miller (94 Years Old)

Garry Shandling – Known for Larry Sanders Show / Garry Shandling Show (66 Years Old)

Doris Roberts – Known for Everybody Loves Raymond (90 Years Old)

Morley Safer – Known for 60 Minutes (84 Years Old)

Theresa Saldana – Known for The Commish and Raging Bull (61 Years Old)

Garry Marshall – Known for Happy Days and Laverne and Shirley (81 Years Old)

"New Year's Eve" New York Premiere - Inside Arrivals

Youree Dell Harris – Known as Miss Cleo – TV Psychic (53 Years Old)

Sagen Lewis – Known for St. Elsewhere (63 Years Old)

John Saunders – Known for ESPN (61 Years Old)

John McLaughlin – Known for The McLaughlin Group (89 Years Old)

Gwen Ifill – Known for PBS NewsHour (61 Years Old)

Florence Henderson – Known for The Brady Bunch (82 Years Old)

Remember them well.

Photography

GALLERY: Christmas in Charleston

December 18, 2016 by 0 Comments
Marion Square

The weather may be on the warmer side, but the feeling of Christmas is certainly in the air.  stroll with us through our Southern version of the holiday spirit and enjoy some of the festive yuletide.

Naughty or Nice Lego Present at SC Aquarium
Naughty or Nice Lego Present at SC Aquarium

 

Citadel BullDog all dolled up
Citadel bull dog all dolled up

 

Joe Riley Stadium
Joe Riley Stadium

 

The Tides - Folly Beach
The Tides – Folly Beach

 

Rutledge Avenue
Rutledge Avenue

 

Historic Charleston
Historic Charleston

 

Ribbon in the greens
Ribbon in the greens

 

Folly Beach Holiday Flip Flops
Folly Beach Holiday Flip Flops

 

Snowman in the sand
Snowman in the sand

 

Wreath on fence in historic Charleston
Wreath on fence in historic Charleston

 

Folly Beach Park
Folly Beach Park

 

Marion Square Tree
Marion Square Tree

 

Wreath on red door
Wreath on red door

 

Tree in the sand - Folly Beach
Tree in the sand – Folly Beach

 

Joe Riley Stadium entrance
Joe Riley Stadium entrance

 

Historic Charleston
Historic Charleston

 

Crab and seahorse in lights
Crab and seahorse in lights

 

Santa and tree in lights
Santa and tree in lights

Happy Holidays

 

 

The Timrod Library: Stepping Back in Time (Summerville, SC)

December 17, 2016 by 3 Comments

By The Retired Mensch

The Mensch stepped back in time when he visited the Timrod Library in Summerville. The Timrod Library is in a colonial-style brick building with a porch and double doors set on high ground on Central Avenue. It is a steep walk from the street to the steps up to the porch. In Brooklyn we called those steps a stoop.

The Timrod is like no modern library. Most libraries are free. Dorchester, Charleston and Berkeley Counties all have free public libraries. The Timrod is unique in that it is a subscription library, meaning there is a fee to be a member and borrow books. The fee is not exorbitant, $15 for a family.

The Mensch paid a family subscription fee and in a few days the mailman delivered a typewritten letter thanking me for the subscription along with two library cards without barcodes or magnetic stripes.

When I checked out a book, the librarian asked for my library card, I forgot it. “No problem, just print your name here on the book card.”
For younger readers, the cabinet in the picture with all the drawers is a card catalog. Every book in the library is inventoried by the Dewey Decimal System, by author, by title and by subject. You need to know your alphabet to thumb through the cards to find a book of interest. There is no Google look-up here.

The Timrod has an interesting history. Originally there was a Ladies Reading Circle in Summerville in the 1890’s. That morphed from a Chautauqua group to chartered library in 1907. Timrod refers to Henry Timrod, the so-called poet laureate of the Confederacy, who was a school teacher in Summerville.

It is a quaint place to visit if you are looking for something different for your literary tastebuds. The Timrod is deceiving in that there is an extensive collection of modern fiction along with a plethora of South Carolina history and geography along with artifacts.


Although there are rocking chairs right inside the front door on the left, the more inviting reading space is over on the right where there are two lovely armchairs with their backs to the window. This is the path to the children’s reading room and historical collection, so be prepared for some foot traffic. Of course, if you are caught up in a good book, you’ll hardly notice.

Boeing South Carolina Aims to Connect with Regional Talent Through STEM Premier

December 17, 2016 by 0 Comments

CHARLESTON, S.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In an effort to help the Tri-County Region create and retain a qualified talent pipeline for its booming aerospace industry, Boeing South Carolina has again teamed up with Charleston-based STEM Premier. STEM Premier enables colleges and companies like Boeing to proactively identify talent, ages 13+, and directly connect with them to create awareness of opportunities and careers within their organization.

For the second year in a row, Boeing will expand their involvement with STEM Premier by sponsoring three more local high schools – an approach that will support the mid-to-long-term workforce needs for Boeing in the region. Students attending Fort Dorchester High, West Ashley High and Berkeley High will join STEM Premier and be directly exposed to Boeing South Carolina to learn more about opportunities within the company.

“As we begin our second century of innovation, Boeing is committed to inspiring and preparing the next generation of innovators, critical thinkers and problem solvers,” said Kelley Halliwell, global corporate citizenship specialist at Boeing South Carolina. “We’re harnessing the natural curiosity of young people with opportunities made available through STEM Premier. We show them how their skills and talents can translate into high-paying jobs across a variety of industries.”

Boeing’s support of STEM Premier helps enable students to enroll and build digital portfolios showcasing their talents, receive personalized career guidance, and discover colleges and companies that can view student profiles and recruit them directly via internal messaging – leveling the playing field for all students.

“The opportunities are there. The talent is there. We only need to establish a more direct pathway that will create a recruiting ecosystem between the two. STEM Premier is that vehicle thanks to the support of companies such as Boeing,” said Casey Welch, co-founder and COO at STEM Premier.

“Through our support of organizations like STEM Premier, we are continuing to invest in South Carolina’s future,” continues Halliwell.

About STEM Premier

Headquartered in Charleston, S.C., STEM Premier is the first online solution that assists students ages 13+ in designing a career pathway, educators in recruiting top talent to their schools, and employers in developing a stable, continuous talent pipeline. For more information, visit www.stempremier.com.

Contacts

Howard/Merrell
Amanda Frasca, 919-844-2746
afrasca@howardmerrell.com

‘Santaland Diaries’ Gives the Gift of Laughter at Woolfe Street Playhouse

December 16, 2016 by 0 Comments

By Mark A. Leon

The ‘Santaland Diaries’, adapted from the wildly humorous book by David Sedaris, opens this week at Woolfe Street Playhouse and plays through December 23rd.  Before I get into detail about this one act journey of hilarity, personal insight into human behavior and a touch of emotional sentiment, I would like to share a personal story that helped me prepare for this performance.

For those that do not know, Santaland Diaries is a true account of a 30 something who accepts a job as one of the Macy’s Santa Land elves during the holiday season in New York in the 1980’s.  Back in 2002, I suffered a personal tragedy and was unable to face the daily trials of a career let alone people.  I wallowed for a while and slipped into a slight depression, which entailed long days on the couch and a lazy gourmet meal of wine and ramen. After browsing through the print classifieds (some of you may not even know what that means), I saw an ad for an Easter Bunny.  “I could totally rock that,” I said to myself.  After a fine audition, outlining my extensive acting career from second to fourth grade, I got the gig.  One little thing that was not in the ad.  This “gig” was in the center of the Mall of America, the second largest mall in the county.  Don’t fret, I rocked it.  I rocked it so well, I was fired several weeks later.  Not my fault, but I will leave you with these lessons learned:

  1.  A giant six-foot bunny trying to get onto a roller coaster without paying does not work.
  2. Following a child after he begs to have the Easter Bunny come home with him does not play well with moms.
  3. Hugging the sad looking teenage girl behind the pretzel stand because she seems to hate her job and life will not suddenly make her love her job.
  4. Finally, a giant oversized Easter Bunny outfit with a cute pink bow is hot as the dickens inside – For those aspiring character actors, it is not all glamor.

Based on that experience I was ready.

Robbie Thomas
Robbie Thomas

Village Rep Associate Artistic Director Robbie Thomas stars in this one actor performance and he does not disappoint.  His one man, one act played out like a symphony of drunk friends coming back for their class reunion and thinking they could still play in the recorder club together.  From the moment “Crumpet” (as he character was named during the elf days) entered the stage, the laugh track began.  Do expect some scenes to hit home personally.  From the flirtatious elf, to the controlling mother; crying baby to the obnoxious dad, Crumpet saw it all.  More importantly, he took it in with poise.

We have all had our share of miserable jobs; some more humorous than others.  The ability to become one with the experience, extract life lessons and impart that wisdom onto others is a gift.  David Sedaris’ gift and Robbie Thomas’ interpretation is one worth unwrapping this season.

‘Santaland Diaries’ is a fast paced, side splitting seasonal hit.  Set in the back stage of the playhouse, this production offers the audience a level of intimacy we rarely see in local theater.  Through snappy dialogue and quirky facial expressionism, the pace maintains a high level.  Caution, you may find yourself curbing your laughter time to a minimum as not to disrupt the flow.

It reminds us to not get too caught up in the serious side of Christmas.  Robbie Thomas takes on this role with a level of confidence that commands the stage (even if he is surrounded by bubbles, stuffed animals, letters to Santa and a giant bright tree).  From street clothes to tights, Robbie takes you into his world.  He exposes you to the underbelly of the Santa retail world and narrates a story of yuletide splendor.

Sometimes you need to let tradition rest for a moment nestled in a stocking.  Take a day away from the Nutcracker and White Christmas and chuckle your way through the holiday with ‘Santaland Diaries’ at the Woolfe Street Playhouse.  Believe me, once you get your credit card bill in January, you won’t be, so take advantage now.

Ticket Information – ‘Santaland Diaries’

South Carolina Ranks #3 Worst State for Drivers in new CarInsuranceComparison.com Study

December 15, 2016 by 0 Comments

In a new report released by careinsurancecomparison.com, South Carolina ranks #3 worst in the United States and #1 in fatalities per 1 million traffic miles traveled.  Below is the full study, methodology and results.

Methodology

The rankings for this study are based on statistics made available to the public by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Each state is ranked according to the following categories:

  • Fatalities Rate per 100 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled
  • Failure to Obey (Percentage of Fatal Crashes that involved Traffic Signals, Not Wearing Seat Belts, and Driving with an Invalid Driver’s License)
  • Drunk Driving (Percentage of Fatal Crashes that Involved Alcohol)
  • Speeding (Percentage of Driving Fatalities that were Speed-Related)
  • Careless Driving (Pedestrian & Bicyclist Fatalities per 100,000 Population)

We translated all of this information into one Total Score, with the worst states receiving the lowest scores.

For example, North Dakota, the state with the worst rating for Drunk Driving — or the highest percentage of fatal crashes due to Drunk Driving — earned just one point in this category. Utah, the state with the lowest percentage, received a score of 51.

Ten States with the Worst Drivers:

#10 – Montana

Best Ranking Factor: Careless Driving: 36th
Worst Ranking Factor: Fatalities Rate per 100 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled: 3rd

2016_worst_drivers_-_10-_montana

Moving from first place last year to tenth place this year, Montana seems to have done a lot to improve the quality of driving on the road. The state came in above average for Careless Driving but still has some work to do taking third place for Fatalities Rate per 100 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled.

Here’s hoping that next year, Montana will improve even more and won’t show up on our list.

#8 – Arizona (tie)

Best Ranking Factor: Drunk Driving: 32nd
Worst Ranking Factor: Failure to Obey & Careless Driving: 5th

2016_worst_drivers_-_8-_arizona

Arizona also improved on its score from last year, moving from sixth to eighth place. The state’s worst ranking factor was a tie between Failure to Obey and Careless Driving causing over 170 fatalities combined.

#8 – Alabama (tie)

Best Ranking Factor: Speeding: 27th
Worst Ranking Factor: Careless Driving: 9th

2016_worst_drivers_-_8-_alabama

Alabama tied with Arizona this year for the eighth worst state for bad drivers.

The state ranked ninth in Careless Driving. Because Alabama didn’t make it onto our list last year, we can only assume that driving habits have regressed. Hopefully, Alabama drivers will focus on safe driving and remove themselves from our list next year.

#7 – Nevada

Best Ranking Factor: Failure to Obey: 29th
Worst Ranking Factor: Careless Driving: 4th

2016_worst_drivers_-_7-_nevada

Coming in at number seven, Nevada scored above average in Failure to Obey. But drivers in the state ranked fourth for Careless Driving causing 78 fatalities on the road from Careless Driving alone. Nevada’s second highest score was eighth for Drunk Driving.

#6 – New Mexico

Best Ranking Factor: Failure to Obey: 36th
Worst Ranking Factor: Careless Driving: 1st

2016_worst_drivers_-_6-_new_mexico

New Mexico improved on our list from last year, moving from second to sixth place. The state did well in the Failure to Obey category, but ranked first — or worst — in Careless Driving and sixth in Fatalities Rate per 100 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled.

#5 – Delaware

Best Ranking Factor: Drunk Driving: 26th
Worst Ranking Factor: Careless Driving: 3rd

2016_worst_drivers_-_5-_delaware

Delaware moved on our list from ninth last year to fifth this year. Scoring third in Careless Driving and eighth in Speeding, Delaware drivers have a lot to do to make their roads a safer place to travel.

#4 – North Dakota 

Best Ranking Factor: Careless Driving: 20th
Worst Ranking Factor: Drunk Driving: 1st

2016_worst_drivers_-_4-_north_dakota

An issue with Drunk Driving caused North Dakota to slip on our list from seventh place last year to fourth this year. Drunk Driving caused 66 deaths in North Dakota last year. It’s a serious problem that drivers in the state need to recognize and address.

The fact that North Dakota placed sixth in Speeding only adds fuel to the fire. Individuals who are drinking and driving over the speed limit are far more likely to cause fatal accidents than those who are following the law.

#3 – South Carolina

Best Ranking Factor: Failure to Obey: 34th
Worst Ranking Factor: Fatalities Rate per 100 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled: 1st

2016_worst_drivers_-_3-_south_carolina

South Carolina came in close to their score last year, coming in at third this year instead of second. While drivers in South Carolina scored well in the Failure to Obey category, they placed first in Fatalities Rate per 100 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled and seventh in both Speeding and Careless Driving.

#1 – Texas (tie)

Best Ranking Factor: Careless Driving: 14th
Worst Ranking Factor: Drunk Driving: 3rd

2016_worst_drivers_-_1-_texas

Texas, tying with Louisiana, slipped on our list from fourth last year to first. Drivers in Texas ranked third for Drunk Driving, ninth for Speeding, and ninth for Fatalities Rate per 100 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled.

Texas scored top 15 in every category. Needless to say, this state has a lot to improve on when it comes to safe driving.

#1 – Louisiana (tie)

Best Ranking Factor: Speeding: 30th
Worst Ranking Factor: Failure to Obey: 1st

2016_worst_drivers_-_1-_louisana

With an above average score in Speeding, Louisiana comes in for a tie for first place because of its score in every other category.

Drivers in Louisiana scored poorly in Failure to Obey (1st), Careless Driving (5th), Fatalities Rate per 100 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled (5th), and Drunk Driving (6th). With those scores, there’s no denying that Louisiana is in serious need of change on the road.

Best Predictor of States with Bad Drivers: Careless Driving

Careless Driving has been an excellent predictor of bad scores in past years, and this year’s study is no exception. Of the 20 worst states overall, 16 states were ranked in the worst half for Careless Driving.

The majority of Careless Driving is done by distracted drivers — people who drive while doing other activities that take their attention away from driving.

The most common reason for distracted driving is a cell phone. In fact, 64 percent of all car accidents involve cell phone usage.

One major thing we can all do as competent and caring drivers is to put away our cell phones before we ever get behind a wheel. Hiding them will help keep our eyes on the road and our minds on the important task before us.

Failure to Obey and Fatal Accidents

It is interesting to note that the Failure to Obey category had the smallest correlation with the overall number of fatal accidents. While three of the 10 worst states scored under 10, three others (Nevada, South Carolina, and New Mexico) were ranked in the best half in the same category.

While there is no doubt that a failure to obey traffic signals and laws puts you at a greater risk for an accident, it seems that other factors weigh more heavily when it comes to fatal accidents on the road.

For all media inquiries, please email: Josh Barnes