A new study shows Mississippi is the most dangerous state in the U.S. to drive in.
According to Forbes Advisor, Mississippi grabbed the unfortunate No. 1 spot on its riskiest states for motorists study after 13 key metrics were taken into account – including drunk driving, distracted driving, road rage, car theft, and poor road infrastructure.
Key findings were:
- Mississippi has the most fatal car accidents (67.82 per 100,000 licensed drivers) and people killed in fatal crashes (24.52 per 100,000 residents).
- Mississippi has the highest percentage of both uninsured drivers (29.4%) and drivers who have witnessed a friend or family member text or make phone calls while driving (69.5%).
- Mississippi has the fourth-highest percentage of drivers who experienced road rage from another driver in the past 12 months (38%).
- Mississippi has the fifth-lowest percentage of road miles in acceptable condition (70%) and the sixth-highest number of drunk drivers involved in fatal crashes (15.1 per 100,000 licensed drivers).
The study added that 9.9% of fatal crashes in Mississippi involved poor weather conditions and 126.92 car thefts happen per 100,000 vehicles.
Rounding out the top five riskiest states to drive in were Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. The study was conducted as the upcoming Labor Day holiday is expected to see a 9% increase in traffic compared to last year.
