Some U.S. states have far more car crashes than others. Maine ranks fifth in the country for the number of accidents, with many drivers getting into crashes every year. These crashes raise insurance costs and lead to more injuries. Compared to most other states, Maine’s accident rate is much higher. But it isn’t just Maine, several other states across the country also struggle with serious driving problems.
Reckless Driving in the Northeast
Maine’s high accident rate isn’t caused by speeding. Drivers there aren’t going faster than those in other states. Instead, unsafe driving habits, like distracted driving and poor awareness, are to blame. Both locals and visitors find Maine’s roads risky because of this carelessness.
In nearby Massachusetts, the pattern is similar. There are many car accidents, but few speeding tickets. Drivers don’t always drive fast, but they often drive aggressively, tailgating, making sudden lane changes, and rushing through traffic. This impatient attitude creates dangerous conditions, especially on crowded city roads like those around Boston. Overall, drivers in the Northeast seem to favor an aggressive, rushed style that often leads to crashes.
Rhode Island, a tiny state, has the second-highest number of crashes in the entire country. Because the area is small and dense, there’s constant traffic and not much space to maneuver safely. Many people drive between major cities like Boston and New York, which keeps Rhode Island’s highways busy and accident-prone. When so many aggressive drivers share such limited road space, collisions are almost unavoidable.
New Jersey also stands out for its driving risks. It has more accidents than any other state, about 31.5 per 1,000 drivers. The state’s highways, like Interstate 95, are famous for gridlock caused by frequent crashes. New Jersey drivers tend to be assertive and impatient, often weaving through lanes or cutting off others. Surprisingly, the issue isn’t speeding, it’s recklessness. Drivers don’t always break speed limits, but their aggressive choices behind the wheel lead to constant accidents and heavy congestion.
Problems in the West and Midwest
California ranks eighth on the dangerous driving list, and its issues come from several causes. The state struggles with high rates of car accidents, drunk driving, and reckless driving overall. Los Angeles traffic is notorious, drivers there often make risky moves out of frustration. However, because traffic moves slowly, accidents tend to be less severe than they could be. In California, the real issue isn’t speeding; it’s distracted or drunk driving and the chaotic driving culture that comes with overcrowded roads.
Minnesota and Wyoming show a different pattern. In Minnesota, lots of people speed, especially on long, open highways. The wide, empty roads make drivers feel safe to go faster than they should. But speeding is still dangerous, no matter how quiet the road looks. What makes it worse is Minnesota’s drunk driving problem. Many crashes involve both speeding and alcohol, which is an especially deadly combination. Cold winters and isolated highways might make some drivers less cautious, thinking they can handle risky behavior in rural conditions.
Wyoming also suffers from severe drunk driving problems. Even though the state is sparsely populated, the rate of impaired driving is very high. Because towns are far apart and public transportation is limited, many people still drive after drinking. Some may believe that the empty roads make it safer, but rural crashes can be just as deadly, often more so, since help may take longer to arrive.
The Most Dangerous States Overall
Washington ranks fifth in the nation for driving problems overall. Unlike some states where one issue dominates, Washington drivers struggle across the board, from speeding and drunk driving to general carelessness. Seattle’s heavy traffic and rainy weather only add to the difficulties. Some experts believe the state’s driving troubles come from poor driver education or not enough law enforcement on the roads.
Utah, ranked third, is known for speeding, especially on scenic or mountain highways. Many young drivers take advantage of open roads and push above the limit. At the same time, Utah faces a serious drunk driving issue. Outdoor recreation areas contribute to the problem, people drink at events or parks, then drive home on twisting mountain roads, often with deadly results.
North Dakota, however, tops the list as the worst state for driving. The state reports a shocking 64 incidents per 1,000 drivers, far more than anywhere else. Drivers in North Dakota break traffic laws frequently, especially speeding and driving under the influence. Because many roads are wide and empty, people feel comfortable taking risks. Unfortunately, that false sense of safety has led to one of the highest per-capita crash rates in the U.S. The local driving culture seems to tolerate rule-breaking, making the state’s roads some of the most dangerous in the country.
Sources
LendingTree, “Best and Worst Drivers by State: 2025 Report,” November 30, 2025
Jalopnik, “These US States Have The Worst Drivers, According To A New Study,” December 27, 2025
MotorBiscuit, “North Dakota, New Jersey, and Utah Have the Worst Drivers in America, According to New Study,” December 28, 2025
PR Newswire, “LendingTree Study Ranks States by Best and Worst Drivers,” December 4, 2023