With 50 states in the union, there are bound to be some distinct differences among the many different populations. Unfortunately, one difference is that drivers in some states are getting into more fatal car accidents than drivers in other states.
A recent article noted that the country as a whole is seeing an increase in the overall number of car accidents, and this represents a shift from the steady decline in the figures that occurred over that last few decades. The article pointed out that many experts, including those at the National Safety Council, believe that a decrease in gas prices has influenced how much people drive, therefore leading to more drivers on the roads. More drivers equals more accidents.
However, another possible explanation put forward by some is that distracted driving is more prevalent than ever. With drivers’ attention drawn away from the task of driving by cellphones and other distractions, drivers throughout the country are causing more accidents than they have in recent years.
So, which states have the most and least amount of fatal car accidents on a per capita basis? The recent article noted that some heavily populated Eastern states have the least, on a measure of accidents per 100,000 residents. Minnesota was ranked near the bottom as well, at 42 out of 50 states. The state with the most car accidents on a per capita basis was, somewhat surprisingly, a lightly populated state out west. States with longer commutes, such as rural states, tend to see a greater per capita amount of fatal accidents due to the amount of time people spend in their vehicles.
Source: journaltimes.com, “The most dangerous states for car accidents,” Alex Greer, June 19, 2017
