15 States With the Lowest Car Crash Fatalities, Ranked
With summer around the corner, many Americans are planning a road trip for their next getaway. Of the 24% of Americans planning on traveling within the United States this year, 63% will get around solely by car.
To help you choose your next destination, here are the 15 states that rank highest in terms of road safety.
The Numbers
According to data published by World Population Report, car accidents were the leading cause of death in all 50 states as of 2019. The average number of car crash fatalities per 100,000 residents was used to rank these safest states for driving.
1: Massachusetts
Boasting beautiful waterfront destinations like Cape Cod, Boston, and Nantucket, Massachusetts is a perfect road trip destination for those looking to visit the Northeast. And with just 4.9 car crash fatalities per 100,000 people, its scenic roads are also safe for cruising.
2: New York
With 5.2 car accident deaths per capita, New York’s streets are surprisingly safe for road trippers. See the sights in Manhattan or drive upstate to visit historic holiday destinations like Saratoga Springs or the Catskills.
3: Washington, DC
While not technically a state, Washington, DC, sees enough traffic to justify its own data. And the numbers don’t lie; the district has a low 5.2 car accident fatalities per 100,000 people, according to the World Population Report.
4: Hawaii
Cruising Hawaii’s scenic coastlines is a bucket list item for many Americans. And with a fatality rate of 5.9 deaths per capita, its winding roads are safe enough for road trippers to traverse. Just be careful of your speed, and don’t be distracted by those gorgeous ocean views.
5: Rhode Island
Known for sandy shores and historic seaside towns, Rhode Island is a delightful road trip destination any time of year. A car crash fatality rate of 6.1 per 100,000 people means safe streets for cruising along the coast.
6: New Jersey
Americans from across the northeast and mid-Atlantic flock to the Jersey shore every year for an annual dose of vitamin “sea.” Thanks to a car crash fatality rate of 6.3 per capita, families can feel safe making their yearly road trip to the shore.
7: Minnesota
Road-tripping up to the land of 10,000 lakes is a dream vacation for outdoorsmen (and women) looking to fish, boat, hike, and escape into nature for a while. With just 6.9 car crash fatalities per capita, a road trip through Minnesota is as safe as it is spectacular.
8: Washington
You can feel safe cruising the forested roads of Washington, which sees just 7.3 car crash fatalities per 100,000 people annually, according to World Population Report’s data. Pack up the car and head to the Emerald State to explore everything from towering Mount Rainier to Seattle’s Space Needle.
9: New Hampshire
Take to the streets of New Hampshire to discover quaint New England towns and scenic Appalachian overlooks. According to World Population Review’s report, the tiny northeastern state sees 7.5 car crash fatalities per capita, making for safe passage through its historic hills.
10: Connecticut
From seaside towns to picturesque farms, a road trip through Connecticut can feel like a drive through a postcard. And with 8.2 car crash fatalities per capita, you can enjoy traversing its winding roads with less worry.
11: Utah
Thanks to its wide open spaces and rugged terrain, Utah sees just 8.4 car crash fatalities per 100,000 people. Whip out the road map and plan that next trek through spectacular rock formations in Bryce Canyon or Zion National Park, or head into the mountains to explore historic Park City.
12: Pennsylvania
Sports fans and history buffs alike will certainly enjoy a road trip through Pennsylvania, cruising past sites like Gettysburg battlefield, Liberty Hall, and Heinz Field. Drivers can feel safe getting behind the wheel since the state sees just 8.7 car crash fatalities per capita.
13: Alaska
While road-tripping through Alaska may not be easy (its capital Juneau can only be reached by air or sea), its rugged beauty makes it worth the effort. Those who choose to drive around The Last Frontier can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with 8.7 car crash fatalities per capita.
14: Maryland
Those looking for New England charm can find it in spades in Maryland. Quaint waterfront towns, historic sites, and scenic coastlines make for a relaxing and enjoyable road trip. With 9.2 car crash fatalities per 100,000 people, drivers can feel relatively safe cruising along the Chesapeake.
15: Illinois
Even with a major city like Chicago within its borders, Illinois still sees just 9.3 car crash fatalities per capita. Pack up the car and head out of town to explore the shores of Lake Michigan, visit Lincoln’s tomb in Springfield, or discover the beautiful Shawnee National Forest.
Where To Find Safe Roads
Those looking for a safe driving destination should look no further than the northeast. Not only do many states in the northeast have the safest roads, they offer plenty of scenic stops.
Practice Safe Driving Habits
Avoid becoming a statistic by using best driving practices on the road. Buckle up, put your phone down, and pull over to rest when feeling too tired to drive.
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Approximately 5% of Americans plan on traveling abroad in 2024. Europe and the Caribbean are the most popular international destinations.
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