Mississippi holds the dubious distinction of having the most dangerous roads in the United States, according to a new analysis.
The Zinda Law Group analyzed crash data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), calculating and ranking which states experience the most fatal crashes per 100,000 residents.
Below are the states with the deadliest roads in America, according to the analysis.
1. Mississippi – 26.2 car-accident deaths per 100,000 people
Mississippi takes the regrettable first-place ranking for states with the deadliest roads, with 26.2 deaths per 100,000 people in 2021. The most dangerous intersection in Mississippi is Airways Boulevard and Goodman Road, Horn Lakes, while the most dangerous highways are U.S. Highway 61 and Interstate 20.
One possible reason for Mississippi’s high ranking may be the state’s low seatbelt usage. The national use rate of seatbelts is 91.6%, while in Mississippi, that number is only 77.9%. Other contributing factors may include frequent congestion on roads not designed for high speed, a lack of infrastructure funding, and dangerous driving.
2. South Carolina – 23.1 car-accident deaths per 100,000 people
South Carolina ranks second for having the deadliest roads in the United States, with 23.1. U.S. Route 17 is considered one of the most dangerous roads in America, with its wildlife crossings, narrow lanes, sharp turns and sudden curves. This road becomes even more hazardous in the summer with increased tourists driving to Myrtle Beach and Charleston.
3. Arkansas – 22.9 car-accident deaths per 100,000 people
Arkansas has the third-highest rate of fatal crashes per 100,000 population, with 22.9. Highway 7 is known to be one of the most dangerous roads in the state, as it is full of steep hills and curves. According to the NHTSA, 82% of people in Arkansas wear seatbelts – this is below the national average and may contribute to the number of fatalities per 100,000 population.
4. New Mexico – 22.7 car-accident deaths per 100,000 people
New Mexico has the fourth-deadliest roads in the United States, with 22.7 deaths per 100,000 people. New Mexico ranks high in this study despite the state’s use rate of seatbelts being only just below the national average, at 89.7%. Interstate 25 in New Mexico is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the state, particularly section I-25 from Las Cruces to Santa Fe, which has many city-road exits that are constantly the site of fatal crashes.
5. Montana – 21.6 car-accident deaths per 100,000 people
Montana has the fifth-deadliest roads in the United States, with 21.6 deaths per 100,000 population. Montana Highway 2 is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the state, as the 70-mph speed limit is often ignored across this beautiful and wildlife-rich landscape.
“Lack of seatbelt use, dangerous terrain, wildlife crossings and dangerous driving can all be to blame for fatal crashes,” a spokesperson for Zinda Law Group said. “Thankfully, there are various precautions that can be taken to avoid danger on the roads. Planning your trip in advance, leaving at off-peak times, paying attention to your surroundings and ensuring you are well-rested before setting off will help you stay safe. The importance of wearing a seat belt is evident in an abundance of research that suggests that, if worn properly, they can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45%.
“If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a car accident yourself, call the police, seek medical attention and gather evidence that may be required for legal use.”
