The 10 Safest and Most Dangerous States to Drive In

The 10 Safest and Most Dangerous States to Drive In

For two years running, one state has proven to be more dangerous to drivers than all the rest. This isn’t anecdotal evidence––we’re talking cold, hard stats here. An auto insurance database was used to compile a handful of criteria that were then analyzed and organized, high to low.

The data points used were based on the numbers of speeding tickets, at fault accidents, and DUI violations collected from 2.5 million drivers nationwide. States were then ranked for individual offenses, and for the rate of likelihood of having at least one of the three on a driver’s record. The results are in, and Ohio takes first, with 30.35% of drivers having at least one documented offense on their record. But The Buckeye State isn’t alone. Here are the rest of the winners:

10 Least Safe Driving States

1. Ohio: 30.35%
2. Wisconsin: 30.29%
3. South Carolina: 29.99%
4. Nebraska: 29.93%
5. Virginia: 29.78%
6. Iowa: 29.75%
7. Maine: 29.33%
8. Maryland: 28.49%
9. Wyoming: 28.07%
10. Colorado: 27.66%

These metrics were gathered strictly from non-commercial drivers’ statistics––we know you pros are taking care of business while staying safe out on the road. But it’s important to know that there are plenty of folks out there–behind, in front, and in the next lane over–who aren’t practicing safe driving. 

Of course we don’t need to tell you this; it’s something you’re seeing day in and out. But hey, these numbers can at least validate what you’re already sensing. And they can help you to be even more wary, depending on where a haul takes you.

On a positive note, the same survey also ranked the statistically safest states for driving. So let’s list those too:

Top 10 Safest Driving States

1. Michigan: 16.44%
2. Nevada: 18.78%
3. Mississippi: 19.12%
4. Arkansas: 19.83%
5. Louisiana: 19.99%
6. Oklahoma: 20.07%
7. Kentucky: 20.35%
8. New York: 20.39%
9. West Virginia: 20.40%
10. Florida: 20.60%

Are you surprised at any of these stats? We were. We found it especially curious that Michigan–a state so close to the two worst-ranked states of Ohio and Wisconsin–ends up topping the safe driving list. Maybe there’s a lesson in there somewhere. Other key figures to check out are each state’s DUI rate, which can arguably indicate the potential for more damage than other offenses, since drivers operating under the influence might also be likely to speed and cause accidents. 

Since these rates are averages, they’re also telling––these could be the tip of the iceberg as far as road safety violations are concerned. That’s even more of a motivation for being a vigilant driver, especially as we barrel through December and smack into yet another crazed holiday delivery season. Add in a mix of winter weather, driving fatigue, and celebratory drinking and a perfect storm could be on the horizon. 

Distractions could also come from a recently gifted smartphone and drivers’ insatiable need to chat, watch, and react while also attempting to drive. We all know the stat: Texting can take your eyes off the road for at least five seconds, which at 55 MPH means you’re driving the length of a football field blind. A lot can happen in those 360’ and it could be extra stressful trying to dodge distracted drivers this winter.

If possible, why not consider driving through the most dangerous states when you’re well-rested, at the beginning of your journey. We know that won’t always be possible but we sure are hopeful that fleet operators will work things out for the safest outcome.

Be Safe This Winter

More folks are out on the roads in 2021 than in 2020, but that doesn’t mean that they’re driving more cautiously. In fact, having dealt with rare clear roads during these past couple of pandemic years, many drivers have taken to speeding and using less safe behaviors overall. Speeding is also more common on holidays and historically, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that high speeds were a major factor in about 25% of fatal crashes. 

It’s obvious that safety is more important than ever. And a major part of your overall safety out on the road comes down to adequate insurance coverage. You can’t control what the drivers around you do, but with Insurance for Truckers and Zinc you can be confident that whatever happens out there, everyone is protected. So here’s hoping for a safe travel season as we round the bend toward another year. We know you’ll do your part.

For more information on how Zinc’s dedicated trucking insurance team can help you stay safe behind the wheel, please get in touch. Be careful out there!