New Research Shows These Are the 10 Most Dangerous States to Drive in
A new study reveals where drivers face the highest risks on America’s roads.
Driving isn’t equally risky everywhere. In some states, crash fatalities, speeding, and poor road conditions push the odds against you far more than in others.
A new study analyzed 2023 data on fatalities, alcohol and speed-related crashes, weather hazards, seat belt usage, and road quality to create a Driver Safety Score for each state. The lower the score, the more dangerous the roads.
The results highlight a stark divide: while some states keep fatal crashes relatively low, others struggle with a mix of behavioral and infrastructure challenges. Here are the 10 states that ranked as the most dangerous places to get behind the wheel.
10. Nebraska (69.0)
Nebraska makes the bottom 10 largely due to poor road conditions, scoring just 37.0 out of 100. The state records 11.2 fatalities per 100,000 residents, and one-third of fatal crashes involve alcohol. High seat belt non-compliance also adds risk.
9. New Mexico (64.7)
With a fatality rate of 20.4 per 100,000 residents, New Mexico drivers face significantly higher odds of deadly crashes. Alcohol is a factor in nearly 20% of fatal accidents, and road conditions score a low 47.9.
8. South Carolina (62.4)
South Carolina sees 18.8 fatalities per 100,000 residents, and speeding contributes to nearly 38% of them. While its road condition score is actually strong (95.0), risky driving behaviors keep it among the most dangerous states.
7. Oklahoma (61.5)
Drivers in Oklahoma contend with 17.4 fatalities per 100,000 residents and a high share of speeding-related crashes (33.4%). Seat belt usage is relatively low at 81.2%, and infrastructure struggles with a road condition score of 69.6.
6. Arkansas (60.7)
Arkansas records 19.2 deaths per 100,000 residents, with alcohol and speeding contributing to nearly half of fatal crashes combined. Road conditions (77.4) are middling, but low seat belt usage (79.7%) is a major concern.
5. North Dakota (60.4)
Despite a smaller population, North Dakota sees troubling numbers. Over 41% of fatal crashes involve alcohol, one of the highest rates in the nation. The state also struggles with weather-related accidents (20.8%) and a seat belt usage rate of just 78.5%.
4. Mississippi (57.3)
Mississippi posts the highest fatality rate in the country at 24.9 deaths per 100,000 residents. Alcohol and speeding are lower factors here, but poor road conditions and low seat belt compliance push the state into the danger zone.
3. Louisiana (51.8)
Louisiana combines a high fatality rate of 17.6 per 100,000, with alcohol involved in nearly one-third of deadly crashes. Road conditions are poor at 47.6, and harsh weather contributes to nearly a quarter of fatal accidents.
2. Montana (47.4)
Montana drivers face deadly odds on rural highways. The state sees 18.2 fatalities per 100,000 residents, and alcohol plays a role in 41.3% of them, the highest share nationwide. Speeding and low seat belt use compound the risks.
1. Wyoming (37.8)
Wyoming ranks dead last with the most dangerous roads in America. The state’s fatality rate sits at 24.4 per 100,000 residents, more than triple that of safer states. Speeding is involved in nearly 45% of deadly crashes, while harsh weather and low seat belt compliance make matters worse.
This ranking was put together by 5 Star Car Title Loans, using the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Federal Highway Administration.
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