What Are the Most Dangerous States for Automobile Deaths?

Accidents happen everywhere in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 6,102,936 police-reported crashes in 2021, with 39,508 fatal crashes in the same year. Approximately 42,939 people lost their lives in 2021, representing a 10% increase from 2020.

But when you closely examine these statistics by the U.S. Department of Transportation, you’ll start noticing trends. Some states and roads, in particular, are more prone to auto accidents than others. But why does this happen? Are there underlying issues that make some states the most dangerous for automobile deaths?

Knowing which states and roads are the most dangerous can help you take preventative measures to minimize your risk on U.S. roadways. But first, let’s find out the most dangerous states for auto accidents in the U.S.

Which States Have the Most Traffic Deaths?

Whenever you get behind the wheel or hop into a vehicle for a ride, you hope that it won’t end in a crash. Unfortunately, this isn’t always the case, with accidents happening every day on our roads. According to data from the NHTSA, 12.9 deaths occurred per 100,000 people, with 1.37 deaths occurring every 100 million miles traveled within the U.S.

In general, the states with the most drivers are the most prone to motor vehicle accidents and fatalities. In 2021, the states with the most traffic deaths were: 

1. Texas: 4,498 deaths
2. California: 4,285 deaths
3. Florida: 3,738 deaths
4. Georgia: 1,797 deaths
5. North Carolina: 1,663 deaths
6. Ohio: 1,354 deaths
7. Illinois: 1,334 deaths
8. Tennessee: 1,327 deaths
9. Pennsylvania: 1,230 deaths
10. New York: 1,157 deaths

Which States Have the Highest Rate of Traffic Deaths?

Another way to look into the most dangerous states is to consider each state’s population versus traffic deaths. Based on data from the National Safety Council (NSC), the average number of motor vehicle deaths per 100,000 people in the U.S. was 14.2 in 2021. Comparatively, the states with the most fatalities per 100,000 residents in 2021 included:

1. Mississippi: 29.4 deaths
2. Montana: 24.4 deaths
3. Arkansas: 24.2 deaths
4. South Carolina: 23.7 deaths
5. New Mexico: 22.3 deaths
6. Louisiana: 22.2 deaths
7. Alabama: 21.0 deaths
8. Oklahoma: 20.7 deaths
9. Tennessee: 20.5 deaths
10. South Dakota: 19.3 deaths

As you can see, when you look at the rate of traffic fatalities, as opposed to the total number, the most dangerous states are not necessarily the most populous. In fact, Mississippi consistently tops the states with the highest traffic-related death rates in the U.S., claiming the number one spot for the past 8 years — since 2014.

What Are the Most Deadly Roads in the U.S.?

Have you ever considered how the route you choose might impact your safety? Every day, we drive on roadways across the U.S., but some highways are generally safer than others. 

The most deadly roads are interstate roads. Considering the number of drivers that use these roads every year, it makes sense that they are more deadly. Additionally, they typically have higher speed limits and pass through metropolitan areas and densely populated cities, making them deadlier to road users.

However, additional factors, such as road conditions and speed limits, tend to make some of these interstate highways even more dangerous than the others. Some of the most deadly highways in the U.S. include:

1. US-1, Florida
2. I-40, Tennessee
3. I-40, New Mexico
4. I-65, Alabama
5. I-90, Louisiana
6. US-83, Texas
7. I-40, Arizona
8. I-95, South Carolina
9. I-5, Washington
10. I-95, North Carolina

On the flip side, data from the NHTSA and the Federal Highway Administration indicates that Route 95 in Rhode Island has the lowest fatal crash rate when compared to other dangerous highways.

What Makes Roads More Dangerous?

Some of the conditions that can increase the risk factor on a roadway include: 

• Congestion: The more vehicles on the road, the more likely accidents will happen. This is why drivers must pay extra attention, especially during rush hours.
• Blind intersections: Intersections are particularly dangerous for drivers, especially when one doesn’t have adequate visibility of their surroundings.
• Weather events: Some weather events increase the risk of traffic crashes. For instance, driving on roads with ice and snow may affect one’s driving ability, increasing the risk of road accidents.
• Sharp turns: Reckless driving on roads with sharp turns increases the risk of losing control, which in turn could lead to crashes such as rollovers and jackknife accidents.
• Poor road conditions: Roads with confusing signage, potholes, and missing guardrails pose additional challenges to drivers, making it easier for accidents to happen.

Staying Safe on Dangerous Roads

The first step towards making dangerous roads safer is to be aware of them. It is important to identify such roads so that appropriate measures can be taken to ensure the safety of all road users. Every driver has a role in maintaining road safety and helping curb traffic accidents and fatalities.

While some roads are more deadly than others, the fact is that most auto accidents are preventable. In fact, human error is to blame for 98% of the accidents on our roads.

To reduce accidents, injuries, and deaths on our roads, here are some safe driving practices that drivers should follow:

1. Pay Attention

Once you get behind the wheel, it’s important to completely focus on the road and avoid distractions. Actions such as texting while driving, making phone calls, eating, and adjusting the GPS or radio can quickly cause catastrophic accidents under the wrong circumstances.

2. Keep Your Distance

It’s always ill-advised to tailgate while on the road. Maintaining a safe distance between you and the driver in front of you will give you the time you need to react to unexpected hazards.

3. Buckle Up

Taking the necessary safety precautions while driving is critical. For drivers and passengers, buckling up can reduce the impact of crashes on our roads and save lives.

4. Don’t Drive Drowsy or Drunk

Drunk or drowsy driving significantly affects one’s reaction time. When a driver gets behind the wheel under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may experience substantial impairment in vehicle control, reduced coordination, divided attention, and trouble maintaining lane position. These are all recipes for deadly traffic crashes.

No matter what roadway you choose to use, abide by state and federal traffic rules and regulations, and paying attention while behind the wheel can keep you safe. However, in the event that an accident does occur, make sure that your rights are protected by talking to an experienced accident attorney. 

Sources:

1. Fatality Facts 2021. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Accessed December 2023.
2. Overview of Motor Vehicle Crashes in 2021. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Accessed December 2023.
3. Motor-Vehicle Deaths by State. National Safety Council. Accessed December 2023.
4. The Most Dangerous Highways in America. Geotab. Accessed December 2023.
5. Crashes Are No Accident. U.S. General Services Administration. Accessed December 2023.