A new study from Jason Stone Injury Lawyers reveals that Delaware leads the nation in vehicle mileage, with drivers logging over 21,000 miles per registered vehicle in 2022, the highest of any state in the country. The findings are based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), which together provide insight into state-by-state driving behavior.
The report analyzed multiple transportation metrics, including total miles driven, the number of vehicles registered, and fuel consumption patterns across all 50 states. While driving habits vary widely depending on geography, population density, and infrastructure, Delaware stood out for its unusually high vehicle mileage, averaging 21,127 miles per registered vehicle, a figure that surpasses the national average by a wide margin.
“This ranking gives us a clearer view of where Americans are driving the most, and what that might mean for everything from road safety to car maintenance,” said a spokesperson from Jason Stone Injury Lawyers. “The more miles a vehicle racks up, the more attention drivers need to pay to wear and tear, fuel efficiency, and safe driving practices.”
Following Delaware, Mississippi came in second with 17,379 miles per vehicle, likely due to rural communities and limited public transit options. Indiana ranked third at 15,294 miles, with an added distinction: it had a higher reported fuel efficiency of 21.71 miles per gallon, suggesting vehicles in the state may be newer or more eco-conscious. Missouri and New Mexico completed the top five, averaging 14,781 and 14,345 miles per vehicle, respectively.
Meanwhile, Montana ranked last, with residents driving just 6,008 miles per registered vehicle in 2022. Experts suggest this could reflect a higher vehicle ownership rate per household or shorter travel distances. Also among the five states with the lowest average vehicle mileage were South Dakota (7,453 miles), Washington (7,464 miles), Alaska (8,066 miles), and Hawaii (8,275 miles). These states often have geographic or infrastructure challenges, such as limited road systems or strong reliance on public transit, that contribute to less driving per vehicle.
Interestingly, Wyoming revealed a unique pattern. Although it ranked only 31st overall in average miles per vehicle (10,473 miles), it held the highest miles driven per capita, at 16,031 miles per person. This indicates that while households may own multiple vehicles with limited usage, individual residents still rely heavily on their cars, possibly due to long travel distances between towns and services.
In contrast, New York, a state typically associated with low car usage due to its robust public transportation, ranked higher than expected at 10th place, with 12,664 miles per vehicle. This may be attributed to heavier vehicle usage in upstate and rural areas, along with commercial vehicle activity.
“These numbers highlight the complexity of transportation trends across the country,” said the firm’s spokesperson. “In states with long commutes or limited public options, vehicle reliance is high. This impacts road conditions, driver fatigue, and maintenance costs factors that directly influence public safety and accident risks.”
The study underscores the importance of understanding how geographic and cultural differences shape driving habits. Whether due to rural infrastructure, fuel prices, or lifestyle, some states show significantly higher reliance on personal vehicles than others. The team at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers encourages drivers, especially in high-mileage states, to stay proactive with vehicle upkeep and to remain alert behind the wheel.
