Have you ever found yourself driving on the highway in South Florida and suddenly felt like you somehow ended up in the middle of a multiple-car high-speed chase? That may be because the Sunshine State is consistently ranked in the top 3 states for having the worst drivers in the country. Of course, the “worst drivers” distinction depends on what statistics you are looking at. Florida’s ranking in the top 3 is based on the number of fatalities that occur each year as a result of reckless driving.
You may be surprised to learn that drivers in Boston, MA, are the most prone to being involved in car accidents, based on drivers averaging only 3.6 years between accidents, according to Allstate’s “America’s Best Drivers” annual report. Much of this may be attributed to the congested driving nature of downtown Boston. While the rate of fender-benders in Massachusetts may be high, we actually had the fewest fatalities per 100 million miles driven of any state. While the number of accidents may be high, the danger of fatal car accidents in Massachusetts is very low compared to other states.
Interesting Facts About Driving in the United States Today
- Traffic fatalities are on the rise in the U.S. and usually increase every year.
- The United States has more deadly car accidents than any other wealthy nation worldwide.
- Driving on U.S. public roads today is the most dangerous it has ever been.
- Dangerous driving has also made the roads in the U.S. extremely dangerous for pedestrians.
The 10 Most Dangerous States to Drive in
The list below considers the number of accidents, vehicle accident-related fatalities, DUI offenses, uninsured operators, and Google searches related to traffic offenses.
1. Florida
Florida has a rate of about 15 fatal car crashes per 100,000 people. Recently, Florida had 3,000 fatal car crashes in a single year. Only California and Texas have more fatal crashes per year.
Florida residents performed internet searches for “traffic tickets” and “speeding tickets” at the ninth highest rate in the US. Florida also has a very high rate of insured drivers.
2. Mississippi
Mississippi drivers and passengers have one of the highest chances of dying in a fatal car accident.
Mississippi has the highest rate of fatal car crashes in the U.S., with 25.4 deaths per 100,000 people, which is significantly higher than the national average of around 11 deaths per 100,000 people.
Mississippi is one of the most dangerous states for road safety, largely due to factors like risky driving behaviors, including low seatbelt use and a high incidence of drunk driving. Mississippi also has the highest rate of uninsured drivers, with more than 22% of drivers lacking car insurance.
3. Louisiana
Louisiana has a notably high rate of fatal car crashes per year, with about 21 deaths per 100,000 people (nearly twice as high as the national average). Last year, about 800 people died in car accidents. Distracted driving is a serious problem everywhere, and in Louisiana it accounted for nearly 50% of car accidents. Driving under the influence of alcohol is another factor driving the high fatality rate, but interestingly, Louisiana has the third-lowest DUI arrest rate per 1,000 drivers in the country. More than 60% of fatal accidents in Louisiana happen on rural roads.
Residents in Louisiana also Google “speeding tickets” and “parking tickets” more often than residents in any other state.
4. Tennessee
If you find yourself in a car accident in Tennessee, there is about a 21% chance the other driver will not have insurance. Tennessee has one of the highest uninsured drivers rates, and it also has a consistently high rate of DUI’s. Tennessee recently ranked 12th in the U.S. for drunk driving incidents. Drunk drivers are responsible for more than 26% of fatal car accidents in Tennessee. About 5.5 drivers per 100,000 were involved in fatal accidents caused by alcohol. The state reports about 36 DUI arrests per 100,000 drivers.
5. Oklahoma
The Sooner State once had the lowest rate of drivers with car insurance in the U.S., with only 74% of drivers having auto insurance. These numbers have improved but are still high, as about 13.4% of drivers statewide are uninsured. This is above the national average but not as bad as in Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, or Tennessee.
Over the past several years, Oklahoma has averaged about 200 car accidents per day, with more than 700 fatalities each year. Like many states, the primary causes of accidents in Oklahoma are distracted driving, driving under the influence, and speeding. Oklahoma is another one of those states with a high rate of fatal vehicular accidents but with a low number of DUI arrests.
6. Texas
The Lone Star State recently reported 4,283 traffic fatalities for the year. About 50% of the fatal car accidents in Texas happened in rural areas. Nearly 25% of traffic deaths in Texas involve a drunk driver, so driving under the influence is a serious issue in Texas as well. Almost three traffic deaths a day in Texas involve alcohol.
Texas is also one of the states in which residents search for “speeding tickets” or “traffic tickets” at very high rates, according to Google Trends data.
7. Nevada
Nevada has a high fatal car accident rate, and recently, the state has experienced a significant increase in traffic fatalities. In the first half of 2024, over 200 deaths were reported. This marks a sharp rise compared to previous years, with a nearly 40% increase noted from 2023. Clark County says a dramatic 70% increase in traffic fatalities in 2024.
Nevada residents also search “traffic tickets” more than most states, according to Google Trends.
8. California
The Golden State has the highest rate of DUI arrests in the nation. Part of this is because California is the most populated state in the country. The numbers are still high, however, with more than 125,000 DUI arrests in a year. California’s DUI conviction rate is more than 70% on average. Only about 83% of Californians have car insurance, meaning about 17% of drivers are uninsured.
One good marker is that drivers are less likely to be killed in a California car crash compared to other states on this list.
9. Alabama
Alabama scores poorly on all metrics except for the arrest rate for DUIs. Alabama has a higher rate of fatal car accidents than most other states. To Alabama’s credit, there was a 26% decrease in fatal accidents in 2023 compared to 2022.
Some unique factors in Alabama at play include the lack of a statewide law banning handheld cell phone use while driving and the fact that 57% of fatal crashes involved occupants who were not wearing seatbelts.
Also, you are more likely to come across a driver without car insurance here than in 43 other states. Roughly 20% of Alabama drivers are uninsured.
10. Georgia
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that Georgia has one of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the U.S. Around 1,600 people die in fatal accidents in Georgia annually.
Unsafe driving, such as distracted driving and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, accounts for as many as 70% of car accident deaths in Georgia.
Data from Google Trends suggest Georgia drivers are prone to breaking the rules of the road. Georgia residents Google “speeding tickets” or “traffic tickets” at the second-highest rate in the country.
Common Trends Among The 10 Most Dangerous States to Drive In
You might have noticed that most states in the top 10 list are in the South. Driving becomes more dangerous the farther south you travel, based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
In all states, holiday weekends are often the most dangerous times to drive. The 4th of July is statistically the most dangerous day to drive, so that is important to keep in mind no matter what state you are in. As always, drive safe, buckle up, drive sober, and like the signs say, use yah blinkah!
It may come as a surprise that the best drivers are in New England. Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine are ranked as having the safest drivers. If you have been injured in a Massachusetts car accident, contact our personal injury attorneys today to schedule a consultation.
How to Stay Safe on Road Trips Across the U.S.
When you’re planning a road trip, you need to consider the route you’ll take to your destination as well as the safety of where you will be driving. While some states are statistically safer than others, road safety largely depends on your preparedness and your own driving habits. Below are practical tips to help ensure your road trips remain enjoyable and accident-free, regardless of where you're traveling.
Key Factors in Road Safety Across the U.S.
- Speed Limits: While speed limits vary, driving at safe speeds and adapting to road conditions is crucial. Urban areas may have lower speed limits, while rural highways could have higher limits, but it is always important to drive defensively.
- Road Conditions: Roads can vary in quality across the U.S. Be cautious on poorly maintained roads or in areas prone to hazards like potholes, especially in rural or mountainous regions.
- Traffic Volume: States with large urban areas tend to have higher traffic volumes, which can increase accident risks. Stay alert in heavily congested areas, particularly during peak travel times.
- Emergency Response Availability: In some rural areas, emergency response times may be slower. Always ensure you have a charged phone, a reliable GPS, and basic supplies in case of a breakdown.
General Safety Considerations for Road Trips
- Plan Your Route Carefully: Use GPS systems or mapping apps that provide real-time traffic data, road conditions, and alternative routes. Be aware of potential construction zones or areas with high accident rates.
- Understand Regional Traffic Laws: Traffic laws can vary significantly from state to state. Familiarize yourself with unique regulations, such as speed limits, cell phone use restrictions, and seatbelt requirements.
- Check Your Vehicle: Before starting any road trip, ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Check tire pressure, fluid levels, and brakes. Keep an emergency kit, including a spare tire, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit readily available.
- Monitor Weather Conditions: Some areas of the country are more prone to adverse weather conditions, such as snowstorms in northern states or hurricanes in coastal regions. Always check the weather forecast before starting your journey, and be prepared to adjust your plans.
- Be Cautious of Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can lead to driver fatigue and drowsy driving, increasing the risk of accidents. Take regular breaks, switch drivers when possible, and avoid driving late at night or early in the morning.
Safe Driving Practices
- Drive the Speed Limit: Driving the speed limit, or driving below the speed limit depending on the road conditions, can help keep you safe and provide you with more time to react to any dangerous road conditions or unexpected hazards.
- Avoid Distractions: Distracted driving, whether due to cell phone use or other activities, remains one of the leading causes of accidents nationwide. Keep your focus on the road and avoid distractions.
- Stay Sober: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs drastically increases the likelihood of accidents. Always designate a sober driver if you plan to consume alcohol.
- Buckle Up: Seatbelt use is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself in an accident. Ensure all passengers are buckled up before starting your trip.
Injured in a Boston or Massachusetts Car Crash? Reach Out to Our Car Accident and Injury Attorney for a FREE Consultation
Car accidents are always terrifying and can result in serious injuries.
Being hurt in a car crash is challenging enough. You have doctor’s visits, possible surgeries, and physical therapy to manage so you can heal. Thankfully, navigating the legal process and dealing with insurance companies doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. That’s what we’re here for.
If you or a loved one were injured in a Massachusetts car crash, you have rights and may be able to get compensation for your medical bills, time lost from work, pain and suffering, and more. Our car accident attorneys are here to guide you every step of the way.
Over the last three decades, we’ve helped thousands of people in Massachusetts get the recovery they need after a car accident injury. Recently, Boston Magazine named Attorney Spada one of Boston’s Top Personal Injury Lawyers. As personal injury lawyers, you never pay us a penny until we win your case. We’re here and ready to help.
We have three offices but proudly serve the entire state with the ability to meet with you remotely from the comfort of your own home. Contact us for a free consultation so we can learn more about your car accident and injuries and see how we can help you get the recovery you deserve.