A new analysis has found that routine driving manoeuvres such as going straight are associated with more fatal crashes across the US than complex actions. The study also shows that southern and western states recorded significantly higher rates of drivers involved in deadly collisions between 2019 and 2023.
The research, conducted by the Law Offices of James A. Welcome, examined data on drivers involved in fatal crashes over a five-year period.
Mississippi recorded the highest rate, at 32.39 drivers involved in fatal crashes per 100,000 residents annually. This figure is more than four times higher than the lowest ranked state. The state saw 2,591 cases in which drivers were going straight before the crash.
Wyoming ranked second with 28.52 drivers per 100,000 residents annually. Despite having the nation’s lowest population of 584,057, it recorded 833 drivers involved in fatal crashes over five years. The most common pre crash movement was going straight with 219 cases, followed by negotiating a curve with 150.
New Mexico placed third at 28.42 per 100,000 residents annually, with 3,005 drivers involved in fatal crashes between 2019 and 2023. Of these, 1,852 involved going straight before the collision. Rural highways and high speed limits may contribute to the state’s elevated ranking.
South Carolina ranked fourth with 28.10 per 100,000 residents annually and 7,550 drivers involved in fatal crashes during the period. In 646 cases, drivers were going straight before the crash. The state has consistently appeared in reports highlighting high-traffic fatality rates.
Arkansas completed the top five at 27.86 per 100,000 residents annually, recording 4,274 drivers involved in fatal crashes. There were 16,528 instances of going straight, noting a potential data anomaly in the original count, followed by 2,732 cases of turning left.
In contrast, northeastern states reported the lowest rates.
Massachusetts had the lowest rate at 7.38 drivers involved in fatal crashes per 100,000 residents annually. With a population exceeding seven million, it recorded 2,583 drivers involved in fatal crashes over five years, including 3,191 cases of going straight.
New York followed at 7.53 per 100,000 residents annually. Its population of nearly 19.6 million saw 7,364 drivers involved in fatal crashes.
Rhode Island ranked third lowest at 7.61, with 417 drivers involved and 1,033 instances of going straight.
Hawaii recorded 9.32 per 100,000 residents annually, with 669 drivers involved.
New Jersey placed fifth lowest at 9.56, recording 4,442 drivers involved in fatal crashes despite a population of more than 9.29 million.
The analysis noted that states with higher population densities and more extensive public transportation systems tended to record lower rates of drivers involved in fatal crashes. All five lowest ranked states are in the Northeast.
Across all states, going straight was the most common pre crash movement, followed in most cases by negotiating a curve, indicating that many fatal collisions occur during routine driving situations.
“The data clearly shows regional patterns in crash fatality rates, with southern and western states generally experiencing higher rates than northeastern states,” said an expert at the Law Offices of James A. Welcome. “What’s particularly surprising is that the large majority of fatal crashes occur during routine driving situations like going straight or negotiating curves, rather than during more complex maneuvers.”
“This suggests that factors like speed, road conditions, and driver attention play significant roles in crash outcomes. Drivers should remain vigilant even during seemingly straightforward driving situations, as these account for the majority of fatal crashes nationwide,” the spokesperson added.
Official US traffic safety data from sources such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety consistently show similar regional disparities, with Mississippi frequently recording among the highest per capita fatality rates and Massachusetts among the lowest, although those measures often focus on deaths rather than drivers involved.
The findings underscore the need for continued emphasis on safe driving practices, even in everyday situations.