What Are The Most Dangerous (And Safest) States For Driving?
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What are the most dangerous and safest states to drive in the United States? Can you guess where your state falls? We all have a perception of how risky our fellow drivers are on the road, but are your concerns backed up by the stats and facts? Our analysis of the 2021 NHTSA traffic fatality data estimates gives you the most recent reports of the most dangerous and safest states to drive in.
What State Has The Most Fatal Car Accidents?
In 2021, Texas had the highest number of traffic fatalities with 4,573 deaths.
Which State Has The Fewest Fatal Car Crashes?
On the other hand, Alaska had the lowest number of traffic fatalities in 2021 with 67 deaths.
Top 10 National Driving Stats For 2021
Here are some noteworthy national statistics on fatal traffic accidents in 2021 compared to 2020:1
- Fatalities in multi-vehicle crashes up 16%
- Fatalities on urban roads up 16%
- Fatalities among drivers 65 and older up 14%
- Pedestrian fatalities up 13%
- Fatalities in crashes involving at least one large truck up 13%
- Daytime fatalities up 11%
- Motorcyclist fatalities up 9%
- Bicyclist fatalities up 5%
- Fatalities in speeding-related crashes up 5%
- Fatalities in police-reported, alcohol-involvement crashes up 5%
Most Dangerous & Safest States For Driving In 2021
in 2021 there were 42,915 deaths from car crashes (up 10% from 2020 and the highest number of fatalities since 2005). Here’s the list of all 50 states1 ranked from the most accidents (#50) to the least (#1) in 2021:
- Alaska 67
- Rhode Island 67
- Vermont 77
- Hawaii 95
- North Dakota 102
- Wyoming 113
- New Hampshire 123
- Delaware 137
- South Dakota 149
- Maine 162
- Nebraska 218
- Montana 243
- Idaho 286
- West Virginia 293
- Connecticut 327
- Utah 332
- Puerto Rico 337
- Iowa 356
- Nevada 386
- Massachusetts 413
- Kansas 433
- New Mexico 479
- Minnesota 500
- Maryland 542
- Wisconsin 597
- Oregon 599
- Washington 652
- Arkansas 690
- Colorado 696
- New Jersey 709
- Mississippi 755
- Oklahoma 774
- Kentucky 794
- Indiana 930
- Virginia 968
- Louisiana 976
- Alabama 987
- Missouri 1,016
- Arizona 1,123
- New York 1,139
- South Carolina 1,144
- Michigan 1,147
- Pennsylvania 1,234
- Tennessee 1,318
- Ohio 1,351
- Illinois 1,357
- North Carolina 1,627
- Georgia 1,806
- Florida 3,753
- California 4,258
- Texas 4,573
Tips To Stay Safe On The Road
Even if you follow all the best safety practices while you’re driving, you can’t control other drivers and unexpected incidents. Is there anything you can do? Yes; become a defensive driver!
The video below has some excellent initial tips to help you stay safe when conditions are beyond your control. Also, consider taking a defensive driving course.
Breakdown Of Drunk Driving Statistics By State
Which factors contribute to the most traffic fatalities? Alcohol-impaired drivers, speeders, and distracted drivers (we are looking at those of you who text while driving!) are the biggest culprits. If you’re concerned about DUI fatalities and arrests in your area, be sure to check out our article on drinking and driving by state.
Sources: [1] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2021