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Despite the advances in road safety, driving remains one of the most dangerous activities in the U.S. today. According to a report, in 2020, there were 38,824 traffic fatalities in the United States, and an estimated 42,915 people died in motor vehicle crashes last year.
“The differences in road safety plans, weather conditions, and regional characteristics can make some places more dangerous to drive in than others,” says car accident attorney Jan Dils of Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law.
A national network of injury attorneys has since had their eyes on the most dangerous roads across the U.S. They use public information on vehicle-related fatalities to determine which states have the worst roads for driving. Most states that make the list of the ten most dangerous are in the South.
Below are the ten most dangerous states for drivers:
#1. Mississippi
A study by a personal injury and consumer rights law firm and the data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveals that in a list of states with the highest driver deaths compared to the state population, Mississippi is on the top.
#2. Wyoming
Wyoming came second in the list, with precisely 733 driver fatalities over ten years. According to the data, the rate of deaths is beyond 139 percent compared to the national average. These numbers may not decline anytime soon, especially since the state’s number has worsened over the years.
#3. Alabama
Alabama is third on the list of the most dangerous states to drive in, recording 5,512 fatalities over the years. Its driver fatality rate is 112 percent higher than the national average but has recently declined considerably.
#4. Arkansas
In 2020, Arkansas recorded a rate of fatality, with the number growing by 24.9 percent. The rate includes a 26.7 percent increase in alcohol-related deaths. In 2019 and 2020, reckless driving like speeding was tied to at least 26 percent of accidents causing total fatalities.
#5. South Carolina
In South Carolina, half of 46 percent of traffic fatalities are linked to driving at high speed. A slight 5.8 percent increase in total deaths last year came with a 14.1 percent increase in the number of fatalities associated with drunk driving.
#6. Montana
A study shows that no other state on this list had fewer vehicle miles traveled than Montana. However, total fatalities are at a high rate of 15.8 percent, with alcohol factor in 45.5 percent more traffic deaths, and a hefty 39 percent of those fatal accidents were linked to speeding.
#7. New Mexico
New Mexico has a fatality rate per million vehicle miles traveled, but the number of deaths is low, with a 6.4 percent drop. Alcohol-related deaths increased by only 4 percent, but in 2020, fatal accidents from speeding were at 40 percent.
#8. Louisiana
Louisiana is another place to look out for in the most dangerous states to drive in. In 2020, driver fatalities grew by 13.9 percent, with 8.9 percent more of those tied to drunk driving.
#9. Florida
Florida’s overall fatality increase was a more modest 4.6 percent compared to other vehicle miles traveled. It is the exact match as Arizona in terms of risk per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. It also posted an increase in alcohol-impaired fatalities at a 12.4 percent rate.
#10. West Virginia
In 2020, West Virginia had a modest 2.7 percent total fatality increase, but 35.7 percent of those deaths were alcohol-related. Even though it is in the top ten of driver fatality rates, it is also in the bottom ten in vehicle miles traveled.
Dangerous States in the U.S. For Drivers at Night
Common factors that cause dangerous driving at night are fatigue, low visibility, and intoxicated drivers. These incidents occur more than three times as deadly as the daytime. In cities like Chula Vista, 74.6 percent of accidents occur at night, which is the largest share of any city.
What to Do if You Become a Driver in Any of These States
Here are some vital safety tips you may want to follow:
#1. Be Alert
Always be aware of your surroundings and ensure you don’t chit-chat or answer calls while driving. If you are tired, rest because it is much better than driving drowsy and causing accidents.
#2. Avoid Risky Behaviors
While driving, you should avoid risky behaviors like texting and getting distracted. You should also obey road regulations and follow the speed limits. Don’t drive if you are intoxicated with alcohol or illegal substances.
#3. Use Driver-Assist Features
Every car owner has access to built-in driver-assist features, and although they may not always protect you, you need to know how to use them. For instance, the car’s forward collision warning can prevent you from hitting other vehicles or pedestrians in low-speed cases.
Protecting Yourself Against Dangerous Drivers in the U.S.
If you want to stay safe no matter where you are driving in the U.S., there are some steps you can take. One of the best steps is shifting into a defensive driving mindset. Getting on a defensive driving plan is about learning strategic tips that help you identify potential hazards on time.
While driving, it is helpful not to assume the intentions of other drivers, expect mistakes, and be prepared to react in such cases.
Conclusion
No matter which state you drive in, safety is critical. The most dangerous car accidents usually happen in places during holidays with persistent drunk driving or where the roads are crowded.
