A new study from Shane Smith Law has revealed that Mississippi has the highest rate of uninsured drivers involved in fatal crashes nationwide.
The analysis, based on NHTSA crash records and U.S. Census Bureau insurance data, highlights how states with large uninsured populations face disproportionate risks on the road.
Mississippi Tops the List
In 2023, Mississippi recorded 69 uninsured drivers involved in fatal crashes. When adjusted for population, this equals 24 uninsured drivers in fatal crashes per million residents — the highest rate in the country.
The state also has one of the nation’s larger uninsured populations, with 10.3% of residents lacking coverage, ranking eighth overall.
Wyoming and Texas Close Behind
Wyoming ranked second with 22 uninsured drivers in fatal crashes per million residents. While the state recorded just 13 crashes in total, its small population of 573,746 inflated the rate. Wyoming also has a 10.7% uninsured rate, the sixth highest in the U.S.
Texas came in third, with 21 uninsured drivers per million residents. The state also reported the highest raw number of uninsured drivers in fatal crashes — 635 — more than any other state. Texas leads the nation in uninsured residents overall, with 16.4% of its population without coverage.
Oklahoma and New Mexico Tie for Fourth
Both Oklahoma and New Mexico recorded 18 uninsured drivers involved in fatal crashes per million residents.
- Oklahoma ranks third in the country for uninsured residents (11.4%) and saw 73 fatal crashes involving uninsured drivers.
- New Mexico has a 9.1% uninsured rate and reported 37 fatal crashes with uninsured drivers in 2023.
States With the Highest Rates
| Rank | State | % Uninsured Residents | Fatal Crashes Involving Uninsured Drivers (per million residents) | Total Fatal Crash Drivers 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | 10.3% | 24 | 665 |
| 2 | Wyoming | 10.7% | 22 | 121 |
| 3 | Texas | 16.4% | 21 | 3,874 |
| 4 | Oklahoma | 11.4% | 18 | 643 |
| 5 | New Mexico | 9.1% | 18 | 402 |
Where Fatal Crash Involvement Is Lowest
By contrast, Massachusetts had the lowest rate, with just 1 uninsured driver in fatal crashes per million residents in 2023. The state also reported the lowest uninsured population overall, with only 2.6% of residents lacking coverage. Out of 325 drivers involved in fatal crashes in Massachusetts, only one was estimated to be uninsured.
Other low-ranking states included:
- Hawaii – 2 uninsured drivers per million; uninsured rate 3.2%
- New York – 3 uninsured drivers per million; uninsured rate 4.8%
- Minnesota – 3 uninsured drivers per million; uninsured rate 4.2%
- Rhode Island – 3 uninsured drivers per million; uninsured rate 4.5%
Despite large populations in states like New York, stronger insurance enforcement and lower uninsured rates keep fatal crash numbers down.
Expert Analysis
A spokesperson from Shane Smith Law said:
“These statistics show a clear connection between states with high uninsured populations and fatal crashes involving uninsured drivers. This creates serious problems for accident victims who may struggle to receive compensation for injuries or losses.
States with stronger insurance mandates and enforcement show significantly lower rates of both uninsured residents and fatal crash involvement. Expanding insurance access and improving enforcement could protect all drivers.”
Why It Matters
Uninsured drivers pose risks beyond the crash itself. Victims often face long legal battles and limited options for compensation when the at-fault driver has no insurance policy. Families may be left covering medical bills, property damage, and lost wages out of pocket.
The study underscores the importance of state-level insurance enforcement. Stricter mandates and broader access to affordable coverage could reduce the number of uninsured drivers on the road and, in turn, lower fatal crash statistics.
