The Deadliest States for Drivers

Getting behind the wheel presents a risk each day across the country. More than 40,000 lives are lost each year on American roads. Some states fare better than others when it comes to road safety. New analysis can give us a look into the states with the most dangerous roads for drivers.

Types of Crashes

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), there is a big difference among the 50 states when it comes to the types and amount of motor vehicle crashes. Factors studied included population, vehicle types, travel speed, traffic laws, and weather, to name a few. In June 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s fatality analysis reporting system revealed that 53% of motor vehicle crash deaths in 2022 occurred in single-vehicle crashes. Rhode Island had highest rate at 71%, and Nebraska led in multiple vehicle crashes.

Distracted Driving

Stay in your seat, buckle up and put the phones away Mississippi, Indiana, and North Carolina! With some of the lowest seat belt usage rates and time spent texting and talking while driving, these states are treading risky roads, quite literally. Poor road conditions and alarming car occupant death rates make safety even more critical. the most car occupant deaths in the nation.

Fatality Rates

Texas, Florida, California, Georgia, and South Carolina’s high fatality reports are reported by individual state highway patrol and transportation departments and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In 2022, there were 4,488 traffic fatalities in California alone. There appears to be a correlation with crashes and best and worst driving records in the U.S. Forbes Advisor reported data from across the country with worst drivers being in New Mexico, Texas, Montana, Mississippi, and Wyoming. Common causes of accidents involved traffic signs ignored, speeding, alcohol and drug impairments, and distracted drivers.

Working Towards Safer Roads

The good news is, we can all make a difference and survive the drive by adhering to safety tips. The January 2025 Progress Report on the National Roadway Safety Strategy, by the U.S. Department of Transportation, has issued calls to action with 195 NRSS Allies in Action across 36 states. This committed network is dedicated to advancing roadway safety through the Safe System Approach. This program puts into action measures for making roads safer to travel. The latest endeavors are raising awareness for distracted driving, reducing driver impairment, increasing motor carrier compliance, and advancing technology through strategic planning. In conclusion, safe roadways begin with each of us doing our part, following rules and laws. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll all be cruising in fully autonomous cars, leaving the stress of driving behind. Until then, drive safe, buckle up, let Aunt Gertrude’s text wait, and keep our eyes on the road ahead.