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Peru has the second-worst drivers in the world

Peru has the second-worst drivers in the world

For those living and driving in Peru it comes to no surprise. A recent study by Compare the Market, an Australian car insurance company, came to the conclusion that Peru has the second-worst drivers in the world.

To find out which countries have the best and worst drivers, the car insurance experts chose 50 countries worldwide comparing how good they are to drive in. To do this, 6 different factors were compared:

  • Traffic Index: A composite index of time consumed in traffic due to job commute, estimation of time consumption dissatisfaction, CO2 consumption estimation in traffic and overall inefficiencies in the traffic system. Low values get a high score. High values get a low score.
  • Road Quality: Response to the survey question “In your country, what is the quality of road infrastructure?” High values get a high score. Low values get a low score.
  • Speed Limit: The maximum speed limit within the country. Low values get a high score. High values get a low score. High values get a high score. Low values get a low score.
  • Traffic Injury Deaths: Estimated road traffic death rate, per 100,000 people, in 2019. Low values get a high score. High values get a low score.
  • Blood Alcohol Limit: The maximum allowable blood alcohol limit whilst driving. Measured in g/dl. Low values get a high score. High values get a low score.
  • Social Media Sentiment: The percentage of social media posts that were positive about “driving” in the last year. High values get a high score. Low values get a low score. 

And while the world’s best drivers can be found in Japan, the Netherlands and Norway, on the other end of the spectrum we find the world’s worst drivers in Thailand, Peru and Lebanon.

Peru has the second-worst drivers in the world
Peru has the second-worst drivers worldwide

Peru not only has come in second-last place but got the highest traffic index score (220.4), and fourth-poorest levels of road quality.

To make matters even worse, TomTom just recently published their Traffic Index 2022 measuring cities around the world by their travel time, fuel costs and CO2 emissions. The Peruvian capital ranked 8th worldwide with a travel time per 10km (6mi) of 27min 10s, an increase of 2 minutes compared to last year. On the American continent Lima even is placed first before Bogota with a travel time per 10km of 26min 20s and Mexico City with 25min 40s.

So, if you are brave enought to drive in Lima or Peru, the only thing we can do for you is our article "Driving in Lima - Not for the faint-hearted; Peruvian combination of “demolition derby” and a “game of chicken”. Have fun!

Driving in Lima and Peru will be a very “interesting” experience if you are used to driving in North America or Europe.

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  • This commment is unpublished.
    Bruzote · 26/03/2024
    I disagree. Since I have been here, I find the drivers quite competent. When a driver can comfortably squeeze within inches of a bus to get me to destination, and ALL the drivers involved (my taxi, bus, and surrounding cars) are managing the tight space safely, I have no complaints.

    Driving in cities means you have to understand how to drive, not just follow rules. They know how to not hit each other and - I am quite shocked at this - they rarely truly try to cheat another driver for a position. I have never seen an accident, so it's not like this place is a continuing disaster. My only complaint is the noise of the horns. But then, they have their reasons, it's just that I don't like the noise.
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Sunflower
      • LimaEasy
      · 26/03/2024
      @Bruzote
      Hello Bruzote,

      are you driving yourself in Lima? If so, then we probably see and experience Lima differently.

      Anyway, this article is about a study conducted by Compare the Market and data published by TomTom. Probably check their website to find out in more detail why the two come to the conclusion that Lima isn't a driver's paradise.

      Greetings
      Eva
    • This commment is unpublished.
      Laura Williams · 08/05/2024
      @Bruzote I live here and I agree. They are extremely skillful at maneuvering. I could not drive here becuase I hack their skill level.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    Armstrong · 09/11/2023
    Indeed Peru has horrid drivers. Though you can occasionally find good ones.
  • This commment is unpublished.
    martin · 25/09/2023

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