12 States with the Worst (Deadliest) Drivers in America

New York City cab drivers have a reputation for being the country’s worst drivers. Yet New York state has the second lowest fatality rate in America. The leading cause of fatal car accidents is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Bad weather, distractions (such as cell phone usage), bad roads, speeding, and mechanical problems were among the other reasons for fatal car crashes. Massachusetts has the nation’s most cautious drivers, followed by New York, Rhode Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut. District of Columbia has the sixth best record in terms of fatalities. Washington is seventh, New Hampshire is eighth, Hawaii is ninth and Illinois is tenth. These are mostly wealthy states. These people can afford the safest cars with all the bells and whistles. These people tend to be more educated and educated people are usually more responsible and follow the rules.

Here are the 12 states with the highest motor vehicle fatality rates in the country:

12. North Carolina: 20 deaths per 100,000 residents  

11. Kentucky: 20 deaths per 100,000 residents  

10. Oklahoma: 20.4 deaths per 100,000 residents

9. Tennessee: 21 deaths per 100,000 residents

8. West Virginia: 23.6 deaths per 100,000 residents

7. Arkansas: 23.7 deaths per 100,000 residents

6. Louisiana: 24 deaths per 100,000 residents

5. South Carolina: 24.2 deaths per 100,000 residents

4. Wyoming: 25.3 deaths per 100,000 residents

3. Alabama: 25.9 deaths per 100,000 residents

2. Montana: 27.6 deaths per 100,000 residents

1. Mississippi: 31.6 deaths per 100,000 residents