Road Safety: A Closer Look at America’s Deadliest States
Looking at traffic fatalities and road danger data can paint a frightening picture of America’s drivers. Home Solutions, a data provider for homeowners and others, recently ranked states based on their rough road scores, the number of fatalities per 100,000 licensed drivers, and more. While many states’ roads have become more dangerous after the pandemic, the data shows that some have done a better job than others at keeping drivers safe.
### Wyoming: The Deadliest State
Home Solutions found that Wyoming is the deadliest state, with 57 fatalities per 100,000 licensed drivers, making it the deadliest state in the country. Wyoming has had a problem with highway fatalities for a few years now, reaching almost 25 deaths per 100,000 drivers last year, which was nearly three times the national average. The data differ slightly depending on who is doing the reporting, as some of the numbers found online came from law firm studies and state highway patrol offices.
### The Top 10 Deadliest States for Road Fatalities
1. Wyoming: 57 deaths per 100,000 licensed drivers
2. Mississippi: 54.5
3. New Mexico: 48.4
4. Oklahoma: 44.3
5. Montana: 43.7
6. Arkansas: 43.3
7. South Carolina: 41.8
8. Kentucky: 41.1
9. Louisiana: 38.4
10. West Virginia: 38.1
### Road Danger Scores
Home Solutions also calculated a road danger score based on various factors in its study. Louisiana took the top spot in that metric, followed by California and New Mexico. Although Wyoming had the most fatalities by a large margin, it ranked 40th on the road danger scale. The study suggests that the deadliest states often do not have the worst road danger scores.
### Factors Contributing to the Spike in Road Deaths
The spike in road deaths and other problems that occurred during and after the pandemic can be attributed to various factors. These include more distracted driving, higher rates of speeding, and lighter traffic enforcement. Many police departments have seen officers leave without ready replacements, leading to fewer patrols on the roads and subsequently impacting road safety.
### Conclusion
While road safety remains a significant concern in many states across the country, the data from Home Solutions highlights the disparities in road safety measures and outcomes among different states. By addressing the factors contributing to the spike in road deaths and implementing effective strategies to improve road safety, states can work towards reducing fatalities and creating safer roads for all drivers.