Accidents can happen anywhere, but some roads are more dangerous than others. Before you set out on your next road trip, consider where you're going — and if your destination requires some extra caution and alertness behind the wheel.
What States Have the Most Traffic Deaths?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has released data about traffic deaths in the United States. As of 2022, these states are the top 10 for traffic accident fatalities:
California
Texas
Florida
Georgia
North Carolina
Arizona
Ohio
Illinois
Pennsylvania
New York
Looking at the big picture, this ranking seems obvious. Except for Arizona, these are the states with the biggest populations — and the most drivers. Thus, it makes sense that these states would have the most accidents (and deaths) year after year, simply because they have the most cars on the road.
Top 10 States with Highest Rate of Traffic Deaths
To find out which states have an unusually high rate of deaths on the road, it's more useful to look at the fatality rate. The NHTSA calculates this by tracking the number of car accident deaths compared to the number of vehicle miles traveled in that state. This gives a better sense of the number of deaths compared to the amount of cars on the road.
As of 2022, these are the top 10 states ranked by fatality rate:
South Carolina
Mississippi
Arizona
Florida
West Virginia
Louisiana and Nevada (tie)
Arkansas
California
Tennessee
These states are more dangerous than average to drive through, as more deadly car accidents happen here even when you account for the number of cars on the road.
What Roads Are Most Dangerous in the U.S.?
Not all of America's most hazardous roads are in the states with the most fatalities. According to AAA, the most dangerous roads in the country earn their spots on the list due to a combination of factors: road design, weather conditions, local traffic laws, likelihood of speeding, and accident records all play a role.
Here's AAA's list of twelve highways that they rate the most nerve-racking and dangerous to drive on:
U.S. Route 550, Colorado
U.S. Route 1, Florida
Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, Louisiana
Interstate 4, Florida
Interstate 45, Texas
Interstate 10, Arizona
Interstate 15, Nevada and California
Interstate 285, Georgia
U.S. Route 17, South Carolina
Dalton Highway, Alaska
Highway 2, Montana
Road to Hana, Hawaii
5 Factors That Make Roads More Dangerous
So what makes some roads more dangerous than others? Here are five important factors to consider when you plan your route:
Traffic: More vehicles on the road mean more accidents are possible. Always pay extra attention when driving during rush hour.
Weather: Adverse weather events make roads more dangerous. For example, roads in northern states are more dangerous when there's ice and snow in the forecast.
Sharp turns: Driving on a windy mountain road requires more focus and control over the vehicle than driving down a flat interstate. Keep your speeds down, especially when visibility is limited.
Blind intersections: The place where two roads meet is especially dangerous if you don't have adequate visibility. Reduce your speeds when coming over a hill or around a corner, especially when you're unfamiliar with the road.
Outdated infrastructure: Roads with lots of potholes, broken pavement, unusual signage, and missing guardrails pose extra challenges to drivers.
Learn to Drive Safely on Any Road
Does this all mean you must always avoid highways and any major road during rush hour? No! A good defensive driving course will help you feel prepared to handle whatever comes your way. From learning how to share the road with aggressive drivers to driving safely in winter conditions, these classes will teach you the real-life skills you need to be ready for your next road trip.
Updated 05/24/24
