Not sure. Maybe it's the fact that things are a little more laid back here, and that translates to their driving. It seems like people would just rather be staring out at the scenery and, every once in awhile, make a major corrective action at the helm-- as tree branches, small animals, and the occasional pedestrian are flung from their grills.
Fortunately, you can't do as much damage when you're driving 15 miles below the posted limit.
Well, I really don't understand the road signs around here! They are bad, imo. By the time you see the sign you need it is too late to do anything about it! Plus, I don't think I will ever understand why all states don't have those little embedded reflectors we had in California. They sure do serve as a good reminder if you cross the line inadvertently, to say nothing of the fact they make the road markings much clearer. Minnesota needs a better road department for starters. Maybe then the drivers will do better. If you know the roads, it's no problem, but many of us don't know the roads all that well yet!
We love the state, though. This is a beautiful part of the country and I remember now why I was so unhappy when my parents moved us to California. I hated California for years. Now I fly into that part of the country and even though Santa Barbara is pretty, the land surrounding it is dry and ugly....and LA is awful! I can go visit my kids several times a year and be perfectly happy with the jetset lifestyle. :)