A recent nationwide study conducted by Jason Stone Injury Lawyers, a Boston-based personal injury law firm, has found that Delaware ranks #1 for the most miles driven per registered vehicle in the United States. Using 2022 data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the analysis explored vehicle registration counts, fuel consumption, and total miles driven in all 50 states.
According to the findings, Delaware drivers racked up an average of 21,127 miles per registered vehicle, more than any other state in the country. This high average suggests significant vehicle dependence, which may stem from long commutes, regional traffic flow patterns, or frequent interstate travel, given Delaware’s central location along the East Coast.
Coming in second was Mississippi, where vehicles averaged 17,379 miles each in 2022. This may be attributed to the state’s rural geography, which often requires longer travel distances between cities, workplaces, and services. Indiana followed closely in third place with 15,294 miles per vehicle, while Missouri and New Mexico rounded out the top five at 14,781 and 14,345 miles, respectively.
Notably, Indiana demonstrated greater fuel efficiency compared to other high-mileage states, with an average of 21.71 miles per gallon. higher than both Delaware and Mississippi. This suggests that Indiana residents may be driving longer distances in more fuel-efficient vehicles.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, the state with the fewest miles driven per registered vehicle was Montana, with an average of just 6,008 miles in 2022. South Dakota (7,453 miles), Washington (7,464 miles), Alaska (8,066 miles), and Hawaii (8,275 miles) also made the bottom five, highlighting a stark contrast in driving behavior across the nation. Experts attribute factors such as limited road systems, robust public transportation, and lifestyle differences to the significantly lower mileage in these areas.
Interestingly, Wyoming, which ranked only 31st in miles driven per vehicle at 10,473 miles, had the highest per capita mileage at 16,031 miles per person. This indicates that while households may own fewer vehicles, individual residents are logging long distances, likely due to the state’s wide-open geography and sparse population centers.
New York, a state known for its reliance on public transportation in urban hubs like New York City, placed 10th overall with 12,664 miles per vehicle. This might seem surprising at first glance, but analysts suggest the high figure may be driven by heavier vehicle usage in upstate regions, suburban commuting, and commercial traffic.
“These figures give us a fascinating look at how differently Americans use their vehicles depending on where they live,” said a spokesperson for Jason Stone Injury Lawyers. “In states where vehicles are driven significantly more, residents face increased wear-and-tear, higher maintenance costs, and potentially greater risk of accidents. It’s a reminder that driving habits vary widely, and with them, so do the risks and responsibilities that come with being on the road.”
The report provides valuable insights not only for drivers but also for transportation planners, insurers, and safety advocates. Higher mileage per vehicle can influence everything from roadway deterioration and emissions to accident rates and vehicle longevity.
Jason Stone Injury Lawyers encourages drivers, especially those in high-mileage states, to stay vigilant about vehicle maintenance and road safety. Understanding where and how vehicles are most heavily used can help shape better infrastructure and safer roads for all Americans.
