A new analysis of 129,825 fatal crashes shows that state highways – not interstates – see the most deadly accidents, accounting for 42% of all fatal crashes nationwide.
Over five years, Kansas has recorded 1840 crashes. The most dangerous roads are:
| Rank | Kansas Roads | Total Crashes |
| 1 | I-70 | 70 |
| 2 | I-35 | 52 |
| 3 | US-50 | 45 |
| 4 | US-54 | 44 |
| 5 | US-24 | 42 |
| 6 | US-56 | 36 |
| 7 | US-160 | 33 |
| 8 | US-75 | 28 |
| 9 | I-135 | 25 |
| 10 | I-435 | 22 |
Where Fatal Crashes Happen in Kansas:
- State highways: 18%
- U.S. highways: 35%
- Interstates: 17%
- Local streets: 30%
We also have city-level data available for localized coverage on request. You can explore the full study on the most dangerous places to drive and see how your state ranks here: https://www.iselect.com.au/car-insurance/insights/the-most-dangerous-places-to-drive/
State Highways Account for the Largest Share of Fatal Crashes in the U.S., New Analysis Shows
A new nationwide analysis of crash data reveals that state highways – not interstates – account for the largest proportion of deadly road crashes in the United States.
The study by iSelect examined 129,825 fatal crashes across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., breaking them down by road type: interstates, U.S. highways, state highways, and local streets. The findings show that 42% of fatal crashes nationwide occur on state highways, compared with 23% on U.S. highways, 18% on interstates, and 17% on local streets.
Where Fatal Crashes Happen Nationwide
- State highways: 42%
- U.S. highways: 23%
- Interstates: 18%
- Local streets: 17%
State highways often combine higher speed limits with frequent intersections, mixed traffic, and limited separation between vehicles, creating a particularly high-risk environment.
States Where Risk Is Concentrated on State Highways
Several states show an especially high proportion of fatal crashes occurring on state highways:
| State | State Highway |
| Hawaii | 87% |
| Alaska | 76% |
| Pennsylvania | 65% |
| New Hampshire | 60% |
| South Carolina | 60% |
In these states, state highways often function as primary commuter and freight routes, increasing exposure to high-speed collisions.
States Where Interstates Pose the Greatest Risk
In contrast, some states see a much larger share of fatal crashes on interstates, reflecting long-distance travel, higher speeds, and rural highway exposure:
| State | Interstate |
| Wyoming | 35% |
| Massachusetts | 31% |
| California | 29% |
| New Mexico | 27% |
| Idaho | 24% |
Local Streets: An Urban Safety Challenge
Local streets account for nearly half of fatal crashes in some urban-heavy areas:
| State | Local Street – Municipality |
| District of Columbia | 84% |
| Arizona | 47% |
| Kansas | 30% |
| Indiana | 28% |
| Michigan | 27% |
You can also view the full state-by-state ranking by road type here. If you reference this data in your content, please link back to iSelect: https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/27170718/
Top 5 Most Dangerous States to Drive
| State | Crash Risk Score | Weather Risk Score | Road Infrastructure Risk Score | Total Danger Score |
| Mississippi | 87.55 | 35.17 | 45.53 | 56.08 |
| Texas | 41.98 | 38.80 | 84.93 | 55.24 |
| Tennessee | 61.92 | 32.60 | 64.54 | 53.02 |
| Wyoming | 78.69 | 38.98 | 37.29 | 51.66 |
| Louisiana | 55.53 | 39.04 | 58.69 | 51.09 |
The U.S. has the highest average national crash risk score among the countries examined, scoring 39.48. The riskiest roads are concentrated in Mississippi, Texas, Tennessee, Wyoming, and Louisiana.
Expert Commentary
Adrian Bennet, General manager – general insurance at iSelect said: “Road safety isn’t defined by weather or road conditions alone; it ultimately depends on the behaviour of drivers and staying alert to your surroundings and anticipating potential hazards, whether that’s pedestrians, other vehicles, poor visibility or changing road surfaces, is essential.
“Following speed limits, taking regular breaks on long journeys, and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles can make all the difference in preventing collisions, no matter whether you’re driving in the USA, Australia or the UK.
“Of course, many risks on the road are unpredictable and beyond a driver’s control. Comprehensive car insurance provides essential protection in the event of a collision, which is especially important for those travelling in higher-risk areas.”
More information on state level can be found onsite: https://www.iselect.com.au/
Methodology
This analysis of the most dangerous states to drive in the U.S. uses data derived from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the federal government’s most comprehensive database on fatal motor vehicle crashes. This data was analyzed by state, city and by road to reveal where crashes have taken place in each state.
