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Discovering the Most Dangerous Roads in the US
Hold on tight, because the roads you drive on could be more dangerous than you think. ConsumerAffairs has been digging into the latest data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Association (NHTSA), and the results are alarming.
Overall, there was a 10% increase in road fatalities in the US from 2020 to 2021. While seven states saw a decrease in road deaths, a staggering 43 states experienced an increase in fatal accidents.
Unfortunately, the US as a whole was moving in the wrong direction during this period. While the country saw a 10% rise in fatalities, 108 other countries actually reported a decrease in road traffic-related deaths.
In a somewhat positive turn of events, recent NHTSA data shows a decline in vehicle fatalities in the first nine months of 2023, with a 4.5% decrease compared to 2022. It’s a small victory in the battle for road safety.
The Safest States to Drive In
When looking at the states with the lowest number of crash-related deaths, a common thread emerges – these states take road safety seriously.
For example, Rhode Island, which tops the list, has stringent DUI laws, especially for young drivers. Despite having some of the worst roads in America, according to a recent ConsumerAffairs study, Rhode Island maintains a lower blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.05 for drivers under 20.
Vermont also ranks high for road safety due to lower speed limits, providing drivers with more reaction time and reducing the severity of crashes.
New York and Massachusetts, coming in second and third for the fewest crash fatalities, have implemented measures such as graduated driver licensing and strict DUI laws to keep roads safer.
States to Avoid on the Road
On the other end of the spectrum, some states are more hazardous for drivers. North Carolina, with 1,663 deaths, attributes much of its road fatalities to speeding, impaired driving, and inadequate road features.
Georgia, with 1,797 fatalities, sees a significant portion of accidents due to unsafe driving behaviours and lack of seatbelt usage.
Florida, with 3,738 crash deaths, has a high rate of distracted driving, including texting, eating, and other distractions behind the wheel.
California, with 4,285 fatalities, also struggles with distracted driving as a leading cause of accidents.
The Most Dangerous State for Driving
For those seeking a thrill ride on the road, look no further than Texas. With 4,068 fatal crashes and 4,498 deaths in 2021, Texas tops the list of the most dangerous states for driving.
Alcohol-related fatalities are also a significant concern in Texas, with 2,175 deaths attributed to drunk driving. Shockingly, a third of drivers involved in fatal crashes had blood alcohol levels above the legal limit.
Mississippi, with its high rate of car crash fatalities, stands out as one of the riskiest states to drive in. Residents are twice as likely to die in a car crash compared to the national average, with young drivers facing a particularly high risk due to lax licensing requirements and low seatbelt usage rates.
Rural roads in Mississippi pose additional dangers, lacking proper lighting and barriers that can worsen the outcomes of accidents.
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