Wyoming, Montana, and Alaska Emerge as the Most Dangerous States for Winter Driving, New Analysis Finds

A new multi-year analysis of federal crash data suggests that winter driving risks in the United States are concentrated far beyond icy roads alone. According to a study conducted by Suzuki Law Offices, a small group of northern and rural states experience disproportionately high crash and fatality rates during cold-weather months, driven largely by driver behavior rather than weather severity itself.

Using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the study examined winter-season crashes between 2020 and 2023. The analysis focused on five months most affected by cold conditions—January, February, October, November, and December—and assessed how speeding, alcohol impairment, distracted driving, and overall fatality counts contributed to winter driving danger on a state-by-state basis.

The results place Wyoming at the top of the list as the most dangerous state for winter driving, followed by Montana and Alaska. Each of these states shares a similar risk profile: long stretches of rural highways, high speed limits, limited visibility during storms, and elevated rates of alcohol- and speed-related crashes.

Although winter weather is often blamed for crashes, the data suggests precipitation type plays a more nuanced role. Nationwide, roughly 12% of all U.S. vehicle crashes—nearly 745,000 annually—are weather-related. Of those, 73% occur during rain or mist, while only 18% are linked to snow, sleet, hail, or freezing rain. The remaining incidents are attributed to reduced visibility or severe wind conditions.

The study’s Winter Driving Danger Index compares states against the national average, assigning higher scores to states with above-average winter crash risk. Wyoming’s score stood far above the rest, reflecting the state’s exceptionally high winter fatality rate per capita. Montana followed closely, with data pointing to persistent drunk-driving patterns and high-speed rural road exposure. Alaska ranked third despite its relatively small population, due to a high proportion of alcohol-related fatalities and remote roadways that complicate emergency response.

Other states appearing in the top ten include South Dakota, New Mexico, North Dakota, Vermont, Maine, Michigan, and Nebraska. Michigan, notably, emerged as the most dangerous large-population state for winter driving. Between 2020 and 2023, winter crashes in Michigan increased by 27%, with speeding identified as the leading contributing factor. During the 2022–2023 winter season alone, the state recorded more than 30,000 winter-weather crashes and 59 fatal incidents.

In contrast, states with mild winter climates dominate the safest rankings. Hawaii, Florida, Alabama, California, and Louisiana reported the lowest winter driving risk, largely due to minimal exposure to snow and ice. Southern states such as Georgia and South Carolina also ranked among the safest, with comparatively low rates of winter-season speeding and impaired driving.

The national picture shows modest improvement in overall road safety. Fourth-quarter fatalities declined from 10,507 in 2023 to approximately 10,100 in 2024, reflecting a downward trend despite increased vehicle miles traveled. However, winter conditions still contribute significantly to injury totals. In 2023 alone, more than 22,000 injuries occurred during crashes on snow- or sleet-covered roads, and over 1,300 people nationwide die each year in crashes involving snowy, icy, or slushy conditions.

The study also highlights mechanical risks that rise during cold weather. Tire failures account for roughly one-third of winter breakdowns, while battery and electrical failures remain common as temperatures drop. According to AAA, winter months see a surge in roadside assistance calls, particularly for towing and battery issues—factors that can leave drivers stranded in dangerous conditions.

Ultimately, the findings reinforce a consistent theme: winter driving danger is shaped as much by human behavior as by weather itself. States with the highest fatality rates tend to combine harsh conditions with speeding, alcohol use, and long rural roadways, while states with safer winter outcomes benefit from both milder climates and lower rates of risky driving behavior.

As the data makes clear, snow and ice alone do not explain winter crash patterns. Instead, the greatest risks emerge where difficult conditions meet poor decision-making—an intersection that continues to define winter driving safety across the United States.