These Are the 10 Safest States to Drive in, According to a New Study
New research ranks every state by crash data, fatalities, and road quality — here are the ones leading the pack.
Every time you get behind the wheel, you’re taking a calculated risk, but that risk varies wildly depending on which state you’re in.
A new study analyzed crash data, fatalities, weather hazards, and even seat belt usage to rank every state on its overall driver safety. Each state was given a Driver Safety Score (0–100) based on 2023 federal crash and road condition data; the higher the score, the safer the state.
Some states with harsh winters or jam-packed highways still managed to rise above the rest, while others with wide-open roads fell short.
Here’s a look at the 10 states where drivers are safest on America’s roads.
10. Illinois (86.1)
Illinois rounds out the top 10 with a strong safety score. The state sees just 9.7 fatalities per 100,000 residents and a solid 92.9% seat belt usage rate. While speeding plays a role in more than a third of fatal crashes, Illinois’ mix of urban enforcement and decent road infrastructure helps keep risks in check.
9. Georgia (88.7)
Georgia might surprise some drivers, given its reputation for Atlanta traffic. But the state’s road condition score of 94.4 and relatively low alcohol involvement in fatal crashes (18.4%) put it safely in the top 10. The trade-off, though, is that Georgia still sees a higher fatality rate of 14.3 per 100,000 people.
8. Maryland (89.4)
Maryland’s drivers benefit from better-than-average infrastructure and seat belt compliance. With 9.8 fatalities per 100,000 residents and road conditions rated 54.7, the state’s focus on enforcement and awareness campaigns helps balance out its busy commuter corridors.
7. Nevada (90.5)
Even with Las Vegas traffic, Nevada keeps its numbers steady. Fatal crashes involving alcohol and speeding are on the higher side, but strong seat belt usage (93.5%) and well-maintained highways (82.7) push Nevada into the safe zone.
6. Iowa (91.2)
Iowa scores well thanks to high seat belt compliance (96.9%) and solid road quality. The state still battles double-digit fatalities per 100,000 residents, but its smaller population density helps minimize risk overall.
5. New Jersey (96.6)
The Garden State sees just 6.3 fatalities per 100,000 residents, and drivers buckle up at a 92.9% rate. Despite traffic headaches and weather challenges, New Jersey’s strict enforcement and relatively strong infrastructure make it one of the safest places to drive. (I’ll be honest, as a former New Jersey resident, this is rather shocking to see!)
4. Florida (96.7)
Yes, Florida makes the safe list. While its fatality rate is higher at 14.2 per 100,000, low alcohol involvement in crashes (17.4%) and excellent road conditions (95.4) help balance the scale. The Sunshine State also has high seat belt use at nearly 90%.
3. New York (98.1)
New York has the lowest fatality rate in the country at just 5.6 deaths per 100,000 residents. Alcohol is a factor in less than 20% of fatal crashes. Even though its road condition score is low (36.3), strong traffic management and lower urban speeds help keep drivers safer overall.
2. Minnesota (99.8)
Minnesota has the lowest fatality rate in the nation at 7.0 per 100,000 residents. Nearly everyone wears a seat belt (96.9%), and its road condition score is nearly perfect. Winter weather is still a challenge, but the state’s infrastructure and safety culture keep risks manageable.
1. Utah (100.0)
Utah takes the crown with a perfect driver safety score. Fatality rates are low, seat belt compliance is high, and roads are in excellent condition. Moderate alcohol involvement in crashes and smart infrastructure investment help keep Utah at the top of the list.
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