Curious about which states are the most dangerous for drivers? This list of the states with the highest fatal car crashes reveals where you’re most at risk on the road.
From Mississippi’s alarming seatbelt non-compliance to the deadly rural highways of Texas, these 20 states top the charts for traffic-related deaths per capita.
Contributing factors include distracted driving, impaired driving, poor seatbelt usage, and risky road conditions.
Whether you’re planning a cross-country trip or simply want to drive smarter in your home state, understanding where fatal crashes are most common can help you stay safer behind the wheel.
1: Mississippi
Mississippi, often called “The Hospitality State,” unfortunately holds the grim distinction of having the highest car crash fatalities in the nation, with 25.4 deaths per 100,000 people.
A significant contributing factor to this alarming rate is the reported issue with seat belt wearing. Disturbingly, a massive 50% of fatal crashes in Mississippi involve an individual who was not buckled up.
This statistic highlights a critical area where preventative measures, such as increased seat belt use, could drastically reduce the number of fatalities and make the state’s roads safer for both residents and visitors alike.
2: Wyoming
Ranking second in the nation, Wyoming records 22 car crash fatalities per capita. While this number is notably lower than Mississippi’s, it remains sufficiently high to place the state in a precarious position for drivers.
A severe incident that occurred earlier this year: a 44-vehicle pile-up resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries, underscoring the potential for large-scale tragic events on Wyoming’s roads.
This specific event exemplifies the significant risks present, despite the per capita rate being “well behind Mississippi”.
3: Arkansas
Arkansas experiences a high volume of car accidents, with 21.2 individuals out of every 100,000 being fatally injured.
The primary culprits identified for these numerous crashes are distracted driving and drunk driving. Many of these severe incidents frequently occur on the state’s rural roads.
This indicates that the combination of impaired and inattentive driving, particularly in less-trafficked rural areas, significantly contributes to the high fatality rate in Arkansas, making it a state where drivers need to exercise extreme caution.
4: South Carolina
In South Carolina, known as the “Palmetto State,” World Population Review reports 962 fatal crashes and 20.7 deaths per capita. The leading causes of these fatal car crashes are identified as speeding and impaired driving.
A striking statistic reveals that a whopping 12% of South Carolina drivers have an at-fault car accident on their record, indicating a significant prevalence of risky driving behavior within the state.
This high rate of recorded at-fault accidents, combined with speeding and impaired driving, contributes to South Carolina’s unfortunate ranking.
5: Montana
Montana’s roads are the fifth most dangerous, with 19.6 car crash fatalities per 100,000 people. A historical factor contributing to this high rate is that open containers of alcohol were legally allowed in cars until 2005.
Unfortunately, the “open container culture” appears to have persisted, as over half of Montana’s car accident fatalities in 2020 were caused by drunk or intoxicated drivers.
This deeply ingrained issue with impaired driving underscores a significant challenge for road safety in the state, making it a critical concern for anyone traveling there.
6: New Mexico
Road trippers visiting New Mexico, especially during summer, should remain vigilant, as July last year saw the highest number of car crash fatalities. World Population Review’s data indicates 18.8 deaths per capita in the state.
According to New Mexico’s Department of Traffic, the joint leading contributing factors to these fatalities are driver inattention and drug involvement, with alcohol involvement closely following.
This combination of factors, alongside a seasonal peak in crashes, presents a significant risk to drivers and passengers on New Mexico’s roads.
7: Alabama
Alabama, affectionately known as “sweet home Alabama,” reports 18.6 car crash-induced fatalities per capita, placing it “neck-in-neck” with New Mexico.
A concerning statistic from 2020 reveals that almost half of the state’s reported fatal accidents occurred after nightfall.
This suggests that visibility challenges, driver fatigue, or other factors associated with nighttime driving significantly contribute to the high fatality rate in Alabama.
Road users should therefore exercise extra caution when traveling through the state, particularly during evening hours.
8: Louisiana
Louisiana experiences a substantial car accident fatality rate of 17.8 deaths per 100,000 people. This high rate is significantly influenced by the actions of intoxicated drivers and distracted drivers.
The presence of these two critical factors underscores the preventable nature of many of these accidents.
Road users in Louisiana are therefore advised to be particularly aware of their surroundings and to avoid engaging in behaviors such as driving under the influence or while distracted, which directly contribute to the state’s alarming fatality statistics.
9: Tennessee
For those planning road trips through Tennessee, it is highly recommended to keep cell phones and other distractions out of sight, as fatalities caused by distracted driving are on the rise in the state.
Car crashes claim 17.6 victims per 100,000 people in Tennessee. This growing trend emphasizes the critical need for drivers to remain focused on the road.
The increasing impact of distracted driving on fatality rates makes vigilant and attentive driving paramount for safety in the state.
10: Kentucky
Kentucky reports 17.3 car crash fatalities per 100,000 people. According to a Kentucky news report citing officials, more than half of motor vehicle fatalities involved one or more victims not wearing a seatbelt.
This highlights a significant and preventable cause of death on the state’s roads. Additionally, speeding and alcohol consumption are also identified as contributing factors to Kentucky’s high fatality rate.
These combined issues underscore the importance of safe driving practices, including consistent seatbelt use, to reduce accident outcomes.
11: Oklahoma
Oklahoma, known as the “Sooner State,” recorded a rate of 16.5 fatalities caused by car crashes per 100,000 people.
A major contributor to these tragic outcomes was the significant number of drivers and passengers who chose not to wear seatbelts.
This non-compliance with seatbelt laws made up a substantial portion of the accidents that resulted in fatalities.
This data emphasizes that buckling up is a crucial, yet often overlooked, safety measure that could prevent many deaths on Oklahoma’s roads.
12: Missouri
Missouri’s car crash fatalities stand at 16 per 100,000 people, a rate deemed “higher than necessary”. The director of the Missouri Department of Transportation explicitly labels crash fatalities as preventable.
This official urges drivers to adopt better driving habits as a means to reduce these tragic incidents. This perspective shifts the focus from mere statistics to a call for proactive measures and personal responsibility, highlighting that many of these deaths could be avoided through improved driver behavior.
13: South Dakota
Just below Missouri, South Dakota experiences 15.9 fatalities per 100,000 people due to car crashes. A particularly stark statistic from 2020 reveals that 62% of fatal accident drivers or front-seat occupants were not wearing seatbelts.
This high percentage underscores the significant role that non-compliance with seatbelt laws plays in the severity of accidents in South Dakota.
Ensuring proper seatbelt use could be a key factor in reducing the number of fatalities on the state’s roads.
14: Georgia
The “Peach State,” Georgia, has a car crash fatality rate of 15.5 per 100,000 people. According to Georgia’s Department of Public Safety, driver distractions caused by cell phone use are a major problem.
However, enforcing laws against this dangerous behavior remains challenging. This difficulty in regulating cell phone use behind the wheel contributes significantly to the state’s high fatality rate.
Drivers in Georgia are encouraged to avoid using their phones while driving to enhance road safety.
15: Florida
Florida’s car crash statistics are comparable to Georgia’s, with a rate of 15.4 car crash fatalities per 100,000 drivers and passengers.
Despite its appealing moniker, the “Sunshine State,” road trippers are advised to consider avoiding Florida this summer due to its grim statistics.
This suggestion highlights the potential dangers on Florida’s roads, regardless of its attractiveness as a tourist destination.
Drivers should exercise heightened awareness and caution when navigating the state’s busy thoroughfares.
16: West Virginia
In West Virginia, an average of 14.9 people per capita succumb to car accidents. Country roads are not taking everyone home, reflecting the unfortunate reality of fatal crashes in the state.
This statement encapsulates the dangers present on West Virginia’s roadways, particularly given its often rural and winding “country roads”.
The per capita fatality rate underscores the significant risk to drivers and passengers, making caution essential when traveling through the state.
17: Arizona
Arizona records a car crash fatality rate of 14.7 per 100,000 people. Some of the most significant reasons why car crashes in Arizona turn fatal are not adhering to speed limits and seatbelt laws.
These factors indicate a critical need for drivers to comply with basic traffic safety regulations. The disregard for these fundamental rules contributes directly to the state’s high number of severe and fatal accidents, emphasizing that many of these outcomes are preventable through responsible driving.
18: North Carolina
North Carolina shares the same car crash fatality rate as Arizona, with 14.7 deaths per 100,000 people. Many of the state’s fatal accidents are concentrated during the summer months, a period when road trippers are abundant.
This suggests a correlation between increased travel volume and heightened risk during specific times of the year.
Drivers, especially those on vacation, should be particularly vigilant during summer in North Carolina to mitigate the risk of becoming involved in a fatal incident.
19: Kansas
Kansas reports 14.5 car accident deaths per 100,000 people. According to the Kansas Department of Transportation, a significant proportion of fatality victims were not buckled up.
This statistic highlights the critical importance of seatbelt use in preventing deaths during car crashes.
The data suggests that consistently wearing seatbelts could substantially reduce the number of fatalities on Kansas roads, aligning with broader safety recommendations for all drivers and passengers.
20: Texas
Texas registers a car accident fatality rate of 13.3 per 100,000 people. The state is home to two particularly dangerous highways, I-45 and I-35.
However, it’s notable that more than half of car crash fatalities in 2021 resulted from accidents on rural roads.
This indicates that while major interstates pose risks, the less-traveled rural areas also contribute significantly to the state’s high fatality count.
Drivers should exercise caution on all types of roads in Texas, especially considering the prevalence of rural road fatalities.
Alicia Richards