Motor-Vehicle Deaths by State

When exploring motor-vehicle fatality trends among states, several different fatality rate estimates are available to assess relative risk. The first option is to calculate the total number of motor-vehicle deaths among state residents per 100,000 population. This population rate estimate is most valuable when assessing the risk of motor-vehicle death for residents in a particular state. The second option is to calculate the number of traffic deaths occurring in a state per 100 million vehicle miles. This analysis is most appropriate when assessing the risk of traffic deaths in a particular state. The third option is to calculate the number of traffic deaths per 10,000 registered vehicles. This rate calculation helps control for differences in the number of vehicles registered among states. The three rate calculations provide different perspectives of fatality risk among states.

In 2021, Massachusetts and Hawaii had the lowest death rates per 100,000 population and Mississippi had the highest. However, when assessing fatality risk per 100 million miles traveled, Massachusetts had the lowest rate and South Carolina had the highest. Finally, when comparing fatality risk per 10,000 registered vehicles; Minnesota, Rhode Island, Hawaii, New Hampshire, and Washington had the lowest rates, while Mississippi had the highest.

Use this interactive map to explore motor-vehicle fatality trends by hovering over each state.

  • Chart
  • Data Table
How to Use Injury Facts® Charts and Tables

Source: Motor-vehicle traffic deaths are from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. All motor-vehicle deaths are from the National Center for Health Statistics; motor-vehicle mileage and registration are from the Federal Highway Administration; population data are from the U.S. Census Bureau.