Top 10 States with the Most Car Accidents
Oct. 21, 2020
Are you planning a cross-country trip? Or do you have plans to visit family or friends in another state?
If so, finding out which states rank the worst for car accidents can help you plan your route, avoid riskier states or be on “red alert” when driving in certain states.
Revealing more about where most car accidents occur, the following ranking (based on the latest data from the National Safety Council) uncovers which states have the most dangerous roadways for motorists.
Top 10 States Where Car Accidents Are Most Likely to Happen
This ranking accounts for several factors, including alcohol impaired driving, child passengers, distracted driving, older drivers, seat belts not being worn, speeding, teen drivers, and vulnerable road users (such as bicyclists and pedestrians). Based on these (and other) factors, each state has been given a “grade.”
Here are the 10 states that were graded the worst for driving & roadway safety:
State | Percentage of Safety Indicators & Corresponding Safety “Grade”* |
1. Montana | 11% – Grade F |
2. South Dakota | 23% – Grade F |
3. Missouri | 29% – Grade F |
4. Arizona | 30% – Grade F |
5. Idaho | 33% – Grade F |
6. Wyoming | 33% – Grade F |
7. Mississippi | 34% – Grade F |
8. Florida | 38% – Grade F |
9. Nevada | 39% – Grade F |
10. Ohio | 40% – Grade D |
*Scores below 40% earned a grade of F; scores between 40% and 49% earned a grade of D.
Interestingly, none of the 50 states or Washington, D.C. earned a grade of “A” for driving and road safety.
What Factors Increase the Risk of Deadly Car Crashes?
In addition to analyzing the roadway dangers and incidence of auto wrecks by state, the NSC has also compiled data on the specific factors that are most likely to cause fatal car accidents. According to the NSC’s findings, here are the top following are the top risk factors that lead injuries to become fatal in car accidents, according to the NSC:
Risk Factors for | Percentage of |
Older Drivers | 5 % |
Distracted Driving | 10 % |
Teen Drivers | 13 % |
Fatigue | 17 % |
Speeding | 27 % |
No Seat Belt | 28 % |
Alcohol | 29 % |
How Much Do Car Accidents, Injuries & Deaths Cost?
The NSC data on road & driving safety also reports on the costs associated with motor vehicle accidents across the U.S. These costs, which can include the expenses arising from property damage, injuries and medical care and lost lives, are estimated to be about $85 billion each year in the U.S.
What may be just as distressing as these costs is the fact that NSC data indicates that motor vehicle accidents and injuries have been on the rise in recent years. In fact, Since 2014, auto accidents nationwide have increased by at least 7 percent.
Commenting on these findings and underscoring the importance of roadway safety, NSC President and CEO Deborah A.P. Hersman has stated, “the cultural Novocaine has to wear off…safety is no accident.”
Contact a Denver Car Accident Attorney at the Law Office of James H. Guest, LLC
If you or a loved one has been injured in any type of car accident, contact a Denver car accident attorney at the Law Office of James H. Guest, LLC to get on the road to recovery.
Our Denver car accident attorneys are aggressive advocates, who are known for their legal knowledge and compassionate representation. Let us take care of everything necessary to craft you a strong claim and bring it to the best possible resolution. We’ve helped many clients recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other losses.
To set up a free consultation with us and find out more about your claim, call or email us via the contact form on this page. There is no fee for our services if there is no recovery in your case.