How Bad Is Your State?
Driving behaviors vary widely across the United States. While some states maintain relatively safe records, others consistently rank high in traffic violations, accidents, and reckless driving incidents. So, based on recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and other sources, here are 10 states where bad drivers have earned their spot at the bottom of the barrel.
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1. Mississippi
Mississippi's drivers have a reputation for speed—and not the good kind. With 31.95 fatal crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers, many take rural roads like racetracks. High-speed habits, especially outside city limits, have also earned the state a firm place among America’s worst for driver safety.
2. New Mexico
The state ranks third in the nation for DUI-related fatal accidents (8.11 deaths per 100,000 licensed drivers), showing a clear issue with impaired driving. Even more alarming, New Mexico takes the top spot for distracted driving fatalities, recording 10.16 deaths per 100,000 drivers.
3. Wyoming
Those endless open roads in Wyoming encourage speeding, leading to 9.42 fatal crashes per 100,000 drivers. And with 2.93 drowsy driving deaths, the highest in the nation, it’s clear: behind the wheel in Wyoming, boredom and speed can be a deadly mix.
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4. Texas
In Texas, the roads don’t mess around, and neither do the drivers. It barrels into third place for fatal crashes, clocking 23.65 per 100,000. Add 8.32 drunk driving deaths to the mix and throw in highway traffic, and you’ve got yourself a bumper-to-bumper adrenaline rush gone wrong.
5. Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s highways run straight and fast. Here, speeding claims 5.66 lives per 100,000 drivers, and distraction adds another 2.01 fatalities to the toll. Moreover, drivers here often trade cruise control for chaos, turning open roads into open risk.
6. Montana
This state tops in drunk driving deaths at 8.57 per 100,000, and distracted driving adds more trouble. Speeding is another favorite pastime—7.14 fatalities per 100,000—especially in summer, when the only thing hotter than the sun is the gas pedal.
7. Louisiana
In Louisiana, it doesn’t matter if you're on a city street or a country backroad, as distraction and speed follow everywhere. It sees 4.42 distracted driving and 6.23 speeding-related deaths per 100,000 drivers. That blend of chaos makes every trip a gamble.
8. Kentucky
Kentucky’s narrow roads aren’t forgiving, especially when distraction and speed join the ride. Drivers here face 3.54 distracted driving, 5.32 DUI, and 6.45 speeding-related deaths per 100,000. Toss in unpredictable weather, and Kentucky’s roads become less about scenic drives and more about survival.
9. Kansas
In Kansas, the roads stretch for miles, and so does the urge to speed. Low traffic density turns highways into personal racetracks, leading to 6.12 speeding-related deaths per 100,000 drivers. It’s the quiet stretches where speed sneaks into the driver’s seat.
10. Missouri
Missouri reports 8.28 speeding-related fatalities per 100,000 licensed drivers, placing it on this list. High speeds and risky behavior are common across both cities and highways. That’s why keeping a safe distance is essential for avoiding serious accidents here.
Now, let’s consider ten states that are home to drivers who actually make the roads better, safer, and way less stressful.
1. Massachusetts
Here, drivers benefit from strict traffic enforcement and mandatory education programs, resulting in just 8.76 fatal accidents per 100,000 licensed drivers. While some studies report frequent fender benders, truly dangerous crashes are impressively infrequent.
2. Rhode Island
Rhode Island maintains one of the nation’s lowest fatal accident rates at 9.12 per 100,000 licensed drivers. That success is no accident—it's the outcome of rigorous safety campaigns and firm traffic laws that shape responsible driving behavior throughout the Ocean State.
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3. California
California’s traffic is intense, but its drivers are seasoned. Defensive driving initiatives and strong enforcement support motorists who deal with 55.0 incidents per 1,000 drivers, which is mainly due to heavy congestion. Many Californians handle it with remarkable road sense.
4. New Jersey
Drivers in New Jersey benefit from well-maintained highways and a strong focus on road safety. With 8.98 fatal accidents per 100,000 licensed drivers, the state ranks among the safest. While some metrics vary, the overall driving environment rewards responsible motorists across the board.
5. North Carolina
Thanks to lighter traffic and smart safety programs, North Carolina offers drivers a relatively calm and secure experience. Traffic cameras, improved infrastructure, and fewer daily jams all support a driving culture where attentiveness is rewarded.
6. Washington
Road safety in Washington starts with its drivers. Their solid adherence to traffic laws and safety protocols has a measurable impact on accident rates. This widespread compliance fosters smoother traffic flow and encourages a culture where courteous driving is the everyday standard.
7. Maryland
Strict traffic laws shape Maryland’s driving environment, encouraging safer speeds and smarter decisions behind the wheel. Drivers here operate under clear enforcement, which reinforces caution. Though occasional tension surfaces, the focus on legal adherence helps keep many roads safer.
8. North Dakota
Wide-open roads and minimal traffic help maintain North Dakota’s excellent driving record. While speeding is more common here, the state’s low-density layout still allows for a calmer, more predictable driving experience. Plus, the reduced congestion supports safer travel overall.
9. Utah
Utah’s traffic laws and modern infrastructure work together to promote safer driving conditions. Clear signage, well-maintained roads, and enforcement systems help reduce accident risks. However, driver frustration remains an issue, as 49.5% of drivers report being cut off.
10. Tennessee
Well-kept roads and ongoing safety education efforts support Tennessee drivers across the state. With 30.2 incidents per 1,000 drivers, challenges remain—but these numbers are part of a broader effort to guide drivers toward safer, smarter behaviors on the road.
