It’s clear to see why so many Americans have gotten complacent when it comes to driving, given the hundreds of millions of individually and commercially owned vehicles registered in the United States. In reality, most people in the United States don’t go more than a day without riding in a car, either as a driver or as a passenger. Cars have become an indispensable aspect of everyday life, whether for commuting to work, summer road trips, or simply going to the grocery store.
While many 16-year-olds are eager to get behind the wheel for their driver’s test, the reality is that driving is a significant responsibility that should not be handled lightly. Based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the United States Department of Transportation, about 40,000 people died in auto accidents in the United States in 2017—an average of little over 100 people each day. On the highways and roads, the usual suspects of distracted driving,speeding, and driving under the influence continue to endanger Americans.
People who passed away in car accidents are down nearly 2% from 2016 and 2015, when they were both at all-time highs (a 6.5 percent increase from 2015 to 2016 and an 8.4 percent increase from 2014 and 2015). Even better, preliminary statistics and predictions for the first half of 2018 suggested that the downward trend continued. Every year, roads improved, and automakers include more advanced safety measures in their vehicles. The impending arrival of self-driving autonomous cars in the United States may prompt yet another change on American roads.
Stacker used data from the Federal Highway Administration’s 2017 Highway Statistics Report (the most recent available data) to determine the most risky state to drive in the United States, ranking by fatalities per billion miles traveled. The data was then categorized into urban and rural roadways, and the national average was calculated. The list combed through each state’s Department of Transportation website for important regulations, driving conditions, and key events affecting the state’s current transportation status.
Continue reading to learn about the riskiest states to drive in.
DRIVING IN THE 5 MOST DANGEROUS STATES:
When it comes to driving, every trucker understands that not every state is the same. Some will have you yelling and smashing your steering wheel in irritation, while others will have you shouting and smashing your steering wheel in frustration. Whether it’s distracted driving or reckless driving, certain states are riskier driving in. We’ll go over the top five most dangerous states to drive in.
WYOMING
The cowboy state comes in at number five. Wyoming has the highest rate of fast-moving and drunk driving mortalities per capita in the US, so, surprisingly, it ranks so low. On the other hand, Wyoming is an attractive area for truckers due to the abundance of jobs and the average wage. Just be extra cautious on the road because there’s no guarantee that other motorists will follow suit.
THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
The state of Mississippi is next on the list. No state wants to be renowned for having the fourth-highest rate of traffic-related fatalities per capita, and there appear to be multiple reasons for this. To begin, there may be a drunk driving problem, as there are many jurisdictions that struggle with traffic deaths—Mississippi places in the top five states in terms of drunk driving-related fatalities. However, there appears to be a problem with Mississippi’s road system. Over half of Mississippi’s highways, according to CNBC.com, are in mediocre to poor condition. When terrible weather strikes, drive slowly because there is no guarantee that the roads will hold up.
MONTANA
Montana, which is located right above Wyoming, looks to share its neighbor’s terrible driving habits. Faced with criticism, the state produced a report in 2017 based on 2015 data to identify the major causes of traffic fatalities. The findings may confirm your suspicions about driver behavior, road and weather conditions, and traffic legislation. It will be fascinating to watch what steps Montana takes to improve the safety of its highways.
MEXICO NEW
New Mexico is among the top five states in the country for drunk driving,speeding, and distracted driving fatalities per capita. It is the second most dangerous state to drive in on this list because of the combination of these 3 factors. Alcohol-related deaths have a long history in New Mexico. Hopefully, those numbers will begin to fall in the coming years, but be wary of other factors for the time being.
THE STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA
North Dakota has the highest number of fatalities per 1000 drivers in the US (.256). In 2016, after a decade of escalating drunk driving statistics, the figures hit an all-time high. North Dakota drivers have had major driving problems as a result of reckless spending practices. Recognizing the issue, state troopers have stated that they will increase patrols and concentrate their efforts on crash-related behaviors.
When it comes to driving, these five states are among the most dangerous in the country. The next step in making our roadways safer is determining the source of the problem. You may have noticed a recurring pattern of drunk driving and speeding, and this is where we should begin. For the time being, we advise our truckers to remain cautious and mindful of their surroundings.
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The takeaway
In much of the United States, driving is nearly inevitable, yet it is also one of the most dangerous portions of the day for the millions of Americans who drive to school and work.
Having a car accident isn’t something anyone wants to think about, but it’s impossible to avoid taking the required precautions for road safety, especially while driving with loved ones.Whether you live in Mississippi, South Carolina, New Mexico, Alaska, Arizona, Kentucky, or Louisiana, remember that taking extra care and practicing defensive driving can save lives.
Sticking to our driving safety advice is a good place to start. The NHTSA’s road safety advice covers issues like kid safety and teen driving if you’re seeking further information.
