New National Study Uncovers the States Where Drivers Face the Highest Risk of Fatal Car Accidents
The United States recorded 40,901 motor vehicle fatalities in 2023, according to newly released National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data. While this marks a modest 4.3% decrease from 2022, the sheer scale of roadway deaths underscores an ongoing crisis on American roads. A further 2.44 million people sustained injuries in crashes last year, leaving families and communities grappling with devastating consequences.
A new study by Pegasus Legal Capital analyzed NHTSA data to pinpoint the states with the most dangerous roads and identify the primary factors behind traffic fatalities. The findings shed light on the top three contributors to deadly crashes nationwide: drunk driving, speeding, and failure to wear a seatbelt. Together, these behaviors accounted for the majority of 2023’s fatalities.
The Big Three: Leading Causes of Fatalities
- Drunk Driving: 12,429 fatalities (30% of all crash deaths)
- Speeding: 11,775 fatalities (29%)
- Failure to Wear Seatbelt: 10,484 fatalities (26%)
Although front-seat seatbelt use rates remain high (91.9%), those who ignore safety restraints continue to face outsized risk.
Drunk Driving: A Persistent and Deadly Threat
Drunk driving remains the most significant single factor behind fatal crashes. The South reported the highest rate, with 4.39 drunk-driving deaths per 100,000 residents. The West followed with 4.04, and the Midwest reported 3.67. By contrast, the Northeast showed far fewer incidents (2.29 per 100,000).
When looking at raw numbers, large states dominate due to population size. Texas led with 1,699 drunk-driving deaths, followed by California (1,355) and Florida (839). However, when adjusted for population, smaller states like Wyoming, South Carolina, and Montana emerge as the nation’s most dangerous for alcohol-related crashes.
Speeding: Fueling Risk Nationwide
Speeding, the second-largest factor, is often linked to traffic congestion, lateness, and aggressive driving behavior. Regionally, the West posted the highest fatality rate (7.13 deaths per 100,000). The Midwest (5.99) and South (5.85) followed, while the Northeast fared far better.
Texas again ranked first in raw numbers with 1,484 speeding-related deaths, trailed by California (1,303) and North Carolina (632). But on a per capita basis, rural states such as Wyoming and Montana proved far riskier, reflecting limited enforcement and long stretches of highway that encourage reckless speeds.
Seatbelt Non-Use: Preventable Losses
Despite proven safety benefits, nearly 9% of drivers and passengers still forgo seatbelts. This led to 10,484 deaths in 2023, tragedies that data suggests could have been avoided. The West again led in fatalities per 100,000 residents, with the South and Midwest also reporting high rates.
In raw totals, Texas topped the list with 1,110 unbelted deaths, followed by Florida (811) and California (624). Smaller states such as South Carolina and Montana, however, recorded disproportionately high per capita rates.
Weekend Driving: A Risk Multiplier
The study also found that while weekdays accounted for more total fatalities (23,562), weekends carried a greater per-day risk. Saturday was the deadliest driving day, closely followed by Sunday. Risky behaviors such as drunk driving, late-night travel, and distracted driving peak during off-the-clock hours.
Distracted Driving: The Growing Fourth Factor
While not part of the top three, distracted driving is an increasingly critical issue. Surveys show that one-third of drivers admit to texting behind the wheel, and smartphones are now cited as contributing factors in thousands of deaths annually.
The Most Dangerous States
When all three core factors—drunk driving, speeding, and seatbelt non-use- were combined into a “risk score,” Wyoming, South Carolina, and Montana ranked as the nation’s most dangerous. Long highways, rural policing challenges, and cultural resistance to safety regulations contributed to their poor performance. Southern states such as Louisiana and Mississippi also fared badly.
By contrast, Northeastern states consistently reported safer outcomes, benefiting from stricter enforcement, better road infrastructure, and stronger compliance with safety laws.
A Call to Action
“These numbers show that many fatalities are preventable,” said a spokesperson for Pegasus Legal Capital. “Simple measures, like buckling up, obeying the speed limit, and never drinking and driving, could save tens of thousands of lives each year.”
The firm urged policymakers to target at-risk regions with more resources for enforcement, education campaigns, and infrastructure improvements.
