A new analysis from Pegasus Legal Capital of federal crash data finds that while U.S. traffic fatalities dipped modestly year-over-year, America’s roads remain perilous, especially in states where drunk driving, speeding, and low seat-belt use collide. In 2023, the United States recorded 40,901 motor vehicle deaths (down 4.3% from 42,721 in 2022) and 2.44 million injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The leading drivers of fatal crashes were drunk driving (12,429 deaths; 30%), speeding (11,775; 29%), and failure to wear a seat belt (10,484; 26%).
The study ranks states by a combined risk score that blends per-capita fatality rates and total deaths across the three behaviors. It also maps regional patterns and pinpoints the riskiest days of the week, offering an evidence-based roadmap for prevention.
Key National Findings
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Deadly Behaviors Dominate: In 2023, three factors—alcohol impairment, speeding, and non-use of seat belts—accounted for the majority of roadway deaths.
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Seat-Belt Reality Check: While 91.9% of front-seat adults buckle up, the remaining share continues to drive disproportionate fatalities.
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Population vs. Personal Risk: Large states often top the raw fatality lists due to sheer volume, while smaller and rural states frequently lead on a per-capita basis—indicating elevated individual risk for residents.
Car-Crash Capitals by Behavior
Drunk Driving
Alcohol-impaired driving remains the single most consequential factor in fatal crashes. Regional differences are stark:
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South: 4.39 deaths per 100,000 residents
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West: 4.04 per 100,000
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Midwest: 3.67 per 100,000
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Northeast: 2.29 per 100,000
On a total deaths basis, the largest states bear the greatest burden: Texas (1,699) and California (1,355) lead, followed by Florida (839), Ohio (455), Georgia (433), Arizona (429), North Carolina (415), Illinois (399), Tennessee (371), and New York (325). When adjusted for population, smaller states such as Wyoming, South Carolina, and Montana emerge as high-risk environments for individual drivers and passengers.
Speeding
Speeding fatalities are closely tied to congestion, time pressure, and aggressive driving behaviors. By region, the West records the highest per-capita speeding deaths (7.13 per 100,000), followed by the Midwest (5.99) and South (5.85), with the Northeast comparatively safer on a per-capita basis.
On total deaths, the familiar high-population pattern returns: Texas (1,484), California (1,303), North Carolina (632), Pennsylvania (491), Illinois (436), Arizona (425), South Carolina (408), Missouri (371), Georgia (349), Florida (349). Again, per-capita views shift the risk map toward smaller, rural states.
Not Wearing a Seat Belt
Seat-belt nonuse continues to be a decisive factor in fatal outcomes. Per-capita unbelted deaths are highest in the West (7.61 per 100,000), followed by the South (6.45) and the Midwest (6.18), with the Northeast showing stronger compliance and lower fatality rates.
In total deaths, Texas (1,110), Florida (811), California (624), Ohio (445), Georgia (428), North Carolina (408), Pennsylvania (393), Missouri (381), Illinois (316), and Arizona (311) lead, driven largely by exposure and vehicle miles traveled.
The Combined Risk Picture: Where It’s Most Dangerous to Drive
When the three behaviors are combined into a single risk score (total deaths + per-capita rates), the most hazardous states share common traits: rural road networks, long enforcement gaps, lower seat-belt culture, and higher impaired and speeding behavior. States such as Wyoming, South Carolina, and Montana consistently rank near the top, with New Mexico, Mississippi, and Louisiana also appearing frequently due to overlapping high-risk patterns. Delays in EMS response in rural geographies further magnify fatality risk.
When Crashes Happen: Weekends vs. Weekdays
While total weekday fatalities are higher (five days add up to 23,562 deaths), weekends are deadlier per day: Saturdays are the most dangerous, followed closely by Sundays, with Friday nights not far behind. The combination of late-night travel, alcohol, fatigue, and speeding creates a predictable and preventable surge in severe crashes. Compounding the risk: distracted driving, with a significant share of drivers admitting to texting behind the wheel.
