A new nationwide analysis by the Law Offices of James A. Welcome reveals that Mississippi leads the country in fatal car crashes, with 32.39 drivers involved in deadly accidents per 100,000 residents annually between 2019 and 2023. The findings highlight sharp regional divides in traffic safety and shed light on the everyday driving behaviors most often linked to deadly collisions.
Mississippi Leads the Rankings
Mississippi ranked first among all 50 states with 4,761 drivers involved in fatal crashes during the five period. Most of those drivers — 2,591 — were recorded as simply “going straight” before impact, emphasizing how routine movements rather than complex maneuvers often precede the most tragic outcomes.
Wyoming followed closely behind with a rate of 28.52 fatal crash-involved drivers per 100,000 residents annually. Although Wyoming has the smallest population in the nation, it recorded 833 drivers in fatal crashes over the study period. “Going straight” accounted for 219 of these incidents, while “negotiating a curve” was the second-most common pre-crash movement.
New Mexico ranked third, with 3,005 drivers involved in fatal crashes between 2019 and 2023. That equates to 28.42 drivers per 100,000 residents annually, with 1,852 of those incidents involving a vehicle traveling straight ahead.
South Carolina and Arkansas rounded out the top five, with annual rates of 28.10 and 27.86, respectively. Both states showed the same trend as others: the majority of fatal crashes occurred during straightforward movements such as continuing on a straight roadway.
The Safest States in America
At the other end of the rankings, northeastern states dominated the list of safest places to drive. Massachusetts reported the lowest rate nationwide, with just 7.38 drivers involved in fatal crashes per 100,000 residents annually. Despite having more than 7 million residents, the state recorded only 2,583 such drivers over five years.
New York had the second-lowest rate, with 7.53 drivers per 100,000 residents. The state’s reliance on public transportation and lower average travel speeds in urban areas likely contribute to its safer roads. Rhode Island, Hawaii, and New Jersey also ranked among the five states with the lowest rates of fatal crashes.
Patterns Across the Country
The analysis uncovered several striking national trends:
- Routine driving risks: “Going straight” was the most common pre-crash movement in every state, suggesting that distraction, speed, and road conditions are key contributors to fatal crashes even during simple maneuvers.
- Regional disparity: Southern and western states showed disproportionately high fatal crash rates, while northeastern states reported the lowest.
- Population density and transit: States with higher population density and robust public transportation systems consistently recorded fewer drivers involved in deadly accidents.
Expert Insights
“These numbers paint a sobering picture of roadway safety in America,” said a spokesperson for the Law Offices of James A. Welcome. “Drivers might assume fatal crashes happen during complex moments merging onto highways, making sharp turns, or navigating heavy traffic. But in reality, the most dangerous conditions are often the most routine: driving straight on familiar roads.”
The spokesperson added, “Mississippi, Wyoming, and New Mexico reflect how geography, speed, and road design intersect to create higher risks. Conversely, states with denser populations, stricter enforcement, and more transit alternatives tend to be safer for drivers.”
About the Study
The study examined National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) data from 2019 through 2023, calculating the rate of drivers involved in fatal crashes per 100,000 residents in each state. Population data was based on 2023 U.S. Census Bureau estimates.
