Best Drivers by State (2026)
Below you will find a ranking of the top seven states with the best drivers based on fatal accident rates, high-speed expressway fatalities, and percentage of uninsured drivers.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Licensed Insurance Agent
Travis Thompson has been a licensed insurance agent for nearly five years. After obtaining his life and health insurance licenses, he began working for Symmetry Financial Group as a State Licensed Field Underwriter. In this position, he learned the coverage options and limits surrounding mortgage protection. He advised clients on the coverage needed to protect them in the event of a death, critica...
Travis Thompson
Insurance Claims Support & Sr. Adjuster
Kalyn grew up in an insurance family with a grandfather, aunt, and uncle leading successful careers as insurance agents. She soon found she has similar interests and followed in their footsteps. After spending about ten years working in the insurance industry as both an appraiser dispatcher and a senior property claims adjuster, she decided to combine her years of insurance experience with another...
Kalyn Johnson
Updated January 2025
What makes a bad driver? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), the most common bad drivers speed, drive recklessly, and fail to maintain their lane or yield to other drivers and pedestrians. They’re also more likely to drive without car insurance.
On the other hand, the best states for driving have lower traffic fatality rates and fewer uninsured motorists on the road. This article covers the top states with the best drivers in the country. Okay, so where are the best drivers in America? Keep reading to find the best drivers ranked in America and even globally.
The best drivers in the U.S. live in:
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- New Hampshire
Our research experts used in-depth reports from the NHTSA and Insurance Information Institute (III) to find the best drivers by state. Our team also examined the number of uninsured drivers and accident fatalities per population size and miles driven to determine the states with the best drivers.
Auto insurance companies reward safe drivers with reduced rates and discounts. You’ll likely pay less for car insurance if you live in the top seven states discussed below.
- Massachusetts and New Jersey have the most insured drivers
- Utah had the least fatal accidents caused by drunk drivers in the U.S.
- Safe drivers earn discounts on their auto insurance rates in all states
Best Drivers in the U.S. by State
The states with the cheapest auto insurance rates will have fewer traffic fatalities than the national average.
Traffic deaths are a leading preventable cause of death in the United States and are a major concern that should be addressed. On average, 11 people get killed in an auto accident for every 100,000 people in the country. What state has the best drivers? Well, Hawaii has the least fatal traffic accidents on this list, but Massachusetts has the fewest auto accident fatalities per capita in the U.S.
Let’s take a closer look at the fatal crash stats to uncover what states have the best drivers.
Fatal Traffic Accidents and Uninsured Driver Stats by State
| States | Yearly Traffic Deaths | Traffic Deaths per 100k People | Traffic Deaths per 100M Miles Driven | Fatal Expressway Accidents | Uninsured Drivers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut | 295 | 8.2 | .99 | 20 | 6.3% |
| Hawaii | 85 | 5.9 | .97 | 0 | 9.3% |
| Massachusetts | 334 | 4.9 | .63 | 12 | 3.5% |
| Minnesota | 394 | 6.9 | .75 | 7 | 9.9% |
| New Hampshire | 104 | 7.5 | .87 | 3 | 6.1% |
| New Jersey | 584 | 6.3 | .88 | 49 | 3.1% |
| Utah | 276 | 8.4 | .91 | 0 | 6.5% |
These stats paint a clear picture of which state has best drivers.
Massachusetts and New Jersey have the lowest rate of uninsured drivers by state. However, New Jersey has the highest number of high-speed fatalities on this list, possibly due to the state’s long commute times. New Jersey still ranks as one of the best driving states based on its low number of fatal accidents per 100,000 people and 100 million miles.
Where are the best drivers in the country? What state has the safest drivers? In this study, our research concludes the state with the best drivers to be Massachusetts.
This is based on three main data points:
- Least traffic Deaths per 100K People at 4.9
- Least traffic deaths per 100M Vehicle Miles at .63
- Lowest amount of uninsured drivers at 3.5%
Hawaii and Minnesota have the highest rate of uninsured drivers, but it’s still much less than the national average of 12.6%.
What happens after an auto accident without insurance? If you get into an accident with an uninsured motorist, you’ll likely pay for your repairs and medical bills out of pocket. You could You’ll also see your auto insurance rates increase after an accident if you don’t carry uninsured motorist protection.
For this reason, it’s important to know the number of uninsured drivers in your state to know what type of auto insurance policy to carry.
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Driving Trends in the States With the Best Drivers
When making a list of the states ranked by driving ability, we found the top seven states to be Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and Utah. Our experts determined these states to be home to the safest drivers by looking at the fatal traffic accident and uninsured driver rates. Interesting fact: Utah is the only state on our best driving list that has Interstate 70 running through it.
So how do these states compare to the drunk driving rates, multi-vehicle accidents, and seat belt usage across the country?
We’ll take a closer look at the driving trends in the states with the top drivers to determine what makes these drivers safer overall.
Drunk Driving in the States With the Best Drivers
According to the NHTSA, drunk drivers were responsible for 19% of fatal auto accidents across the country in 2019. Here are how the states with the best drivers compare:
- Connecticut: 27%
- Hawaii: 24%
- Massachusetts: 24%
- Minnesota: 16%
- New Hampshire: 26%
- New Jersey: 16%
- Utah: 11%
Utah has the lowest rate of fatalities caused by drunk drivers in the country. Both Minnesota and New Jersey are below the national average, but an impaired driver causes over a quarter of the fatal accidents in the other states.
In fact, Connecticut is the third-highest state for drunk drivers involved in fatal accidents in the U.S. However, it still has fewer traffic-related deaths per capita than most states.
Multi-Vehicle Accidents in the States With the Best Drivers
Almost half — 45% — of fatal accidents in the U.S. involved two or more vehicles.
Single-vehicle accidents are less of a threat to other drivers on the road, so here is the percentage of multi-vehicle accidents in the states with the best drivers:
- Connecticut: 43%
- Hawaii: 39%
- Massachusetts: 44%
- Minnesota: 43%
- New Hampshire: 41%
- New Jersey: 42%
- Utah: 46%
Only Utah had more multi-vehicle accidents than the national average, but it still has fewer fatal accidents than most states and zero high-speed accidents on freeways.
The local department of transportation in each state does many things to improve road safety, such as constructing diverging diamond interchanges.
Did you know? A diverging diamond interchange (DDI) lowers the risk of accidents and allows traffic to flow more smoothly. The first DDI in the United States opened in 2009.
Innovative designs like these help to make the above seven states have the safest roads and best drivers in the USA.
Rate of Seat Belt Use in the States With the Best Drivers
Drivers don’t wear seat belts in nearly half — 42.6% — of fatal car accidents across the country. Here is the percentage of accidents per state where a driver didn’t use a seat belt:
- Connecticut: 41.6%
- Hawaii: 34.8%
- Massachusetts: 48.5%
- Minnesota: 31.1%
- New Hampshire: 62.3%
- New Jersey: 41.5%
- Utah: 32.2%
All states on our list are below the national average except Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Drivers in New Hampshire are 20% more likely not to wear a seat belt and be involved in a fatal car accident.
Drivers in the safest states not only have higher seat belts use, but also apply safe driving strategies such as avoiding distractions and letting other drivers pass them.
Defensive driving eliminates deadly behaviors such as speeding, reckless driving, and road rage. Drivers in the most dangerous states have the highest rates of road rage.
Quick Trivia: What state has the worst road rage? Virginia.
The top states with the worst drivers have higher accounts of road rage. Take a deep breathe on the road to avoid a deadly crash.
How Your Location Affects Auto Insurance Rates
If you live in one of the states with the best drivers, you may have cheaper auto insurance rates. For example, drivers in states with fewer traffic fatalities and more insured drivers are less likely to file a claim. Insurance companies often offer cheaper auto insurance rates for this reduced risk.
However, your coverage level also impacts how much you pay for car insurance. You must carry the minimum car insurance required in your state. Still, you can also add collision and comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle and passengers in case of an accident.
Use this table to compare auto insurance rates for each level of coverage by state:
Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by State & Coverage Level
| State | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $33 | $72 |
| Alaska | $45 | $86 |
| Arizona | $42 | $81 |
| Arkansas | $33 | $76 |
| California | $41 | $82 |
| Colorado | $43 | $82 |
| Connecticut | $54 | $96 |
| Delaware | $67 | $103 |
| Florida | $71 | $105 |
| Georgia | $46 | $87 |
| Hawaii | $38 | $73 |
| Idaho | $29 | $57 |
| Illinois | $37 | $74 |
| Indiana | $32 | $63 |
| Iowa | $25 | $59 |
| Kansas | $30 | $72 |
| Kentucky | $44 | $78 |
| Louisiana | $65 | $117 |
| Maine | $28 | $59 |
| Maryland | $51 | $93 |
| Massachusetts | $51 | $94 |
| Michigan | $66 | $114 |
| Minnesota | $38 | $73 |
| Mississippi | $38 | $83 |
| Missouri | $35 | $73 |
| Montana | $32 | $72 |
| Nebraska | $30 | $69 |
| Nevada | $57 | $92 |
| New Hampshire | $33 | $68 |
| New Jersey | $72 | $115 |
| New Mexico | $41 | $78 |
| New York | $67 | $113 |
| North Carolina | $30 | $66 |
| North Dakota | $25 | $64 |
| Ohio | $33 | $66 |
| Oklahoma | $38 | $84 |
| Oregon | $49 | $75 |
| Pennsylvania | $42 | $81 |
| Rhode Island | $63 | $109 |
| South Carolina | $44 | $81 |
| South Dakota | $25 | $64 |
| Tennessee | $34 | $73 |
| Texas | $44 | $92 |
| Utah | $41 | $73 |
| Vermont | $29 | $64 |
| Virginia | $35 | $70 |
| Washington | $50 | $81 |
| Washington, D.C. | $52 | $111 |
| West Virginia | $41 | $85 |
| Wisconsin | $31 | $61 |
| Wyoming | $27 | $71 |
| U.S. Average | $45 | $84 |
These rates are averages, and individual factors such as your age, gender, and driving record will affect your auto insurance quotes. To find the cheapest car insurance in your state, shop around with at least three local companies and compare quotes to see which offers you the most affordable rates.
Do safe drivers pay less for auto insurance?
Your driving record has the most significant impact on your auto insurance quotes. Bad driving record auto insurance is always going to be more expensive. This table shows how average auto insurance rates vary with each driving offense:
Auto Insurance Average Rates by Driving Record
| Driving Record | Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
| Clean Record | $119 |
| One Accident | $173 |
| One DUI | $209 |
| One Ticket | $147 |
Safe drivers with clean records are eligible for reduced rates and auto insurance discounts from the biggest insurers:
Auto Insurance Discounts From Top Providers
| Discount Name | Allstate | American Family | Farmers | Geico | Liberty Mutual | Nationwide | Progressive | State Farm | Travelers | USAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Cruise Control | X | X | 10% | 10% | 5% | 3% | X | 7% | 10% | X |
| Adaptive Headlights | 15% | 15% | 10% | 5% | 5% | 10% | 15% | 5% | 5% | 15% |
| Anti-Lock Brakes | 10% | 10% | 10% | 5% | 5% | 5% | 10% | 5% | X | X |
| Anti-Theft | 10% | X | X | 23% | 20% | 25% | 20% | 15% | X | X |
| Claim Free | 35% | 10% | 15% | 26% | 15% | 10% | 15% | 15% | 23% | 12% |
| Continuous Coverage | X | 10% | 10% | X | 15% | 15% | 10% | 10% | 15% | 5% |
| Daytime Running Lights | 2% | X | 2% | 3% | 5% | 5% | 7% | 3% | X | X |
| Defensive Driver | 10% | 10% | X | 10% | 10% | 5% | 10% | 5% | 10% | 3% |
| Distant Student | 35% | 15% | 30% | 30% | 20% | 10% | 20% | 20% | 7% | X |
| Driver's Education | 10% | 10% | 8% | X | 10% | 8% | 10% | 15% | 8% | 3% |
| Early Signing | 10% | 12% | 15% | 15% | 8% | 8% | 8% | 15% | 10% | 12% |
| Electronic Stability... | 2% | 3% | 3% | 2% | 5% | X | 5% | X | 3% | 2% |
| Emergency Deployment | 5% | X | 20% | 25% | X | X | X | X | 20% | 25% |
| Engaged Couple | 10% | 10% | 5% | X | 5% | 10% | 5% | X | X | 10% |
| Family Legacy | X | 10% | X | 5% | 10% | 5% | 5% | X | 5% | 10% |
| Family Plan | 20% | X | 15% | X | 10% | 25% | X | 15% | 15% | X |
| Farm Vehicle | 10% | X | 10% | X | 10% | 5% | X | 5% | 10% | X |
| Fast 5 | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Federal Employee | 13% | 15% | X | 12% | 10% | 16% | X | 15% | X | X |
| Forward Collision Warning | 5% | 10% | 5% | 10% | 5% | X | 5% | 5% | 5% | 10% |
| Full Payment | 10% | 10% | 8% | X | $50 | 8% | 10% | X | 8% | X |
| Further Education | X | X | X | X | 10% | 15% | X | X | X | X |
| Garaging/Storing | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | 90% |
| Good Credit | 10% | X | 5% | 10% | 5% | X | 10% | X | 10% | X |
| Good Student | 20% | 23% | X | 15% | 23% | 10% | 8% | 25% | 8% | 3% |
| Green Vehicle | 10% | X | 5% | X | 10% | X | X | 10% | 10% | X |
| Homeowner | 3% | 3% | 5% | X | 5% | 5% | X | 3% | 5% | X |
| Lane Departure Warning | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Low Mileage | 30% | 30% | 25% | 25% | 30% | 25% | X | 25% | 30% | 25% |
| Loyalty | 5% | 15% | 5% | X | 15% | 5% | 15% | 15% | 5% | X |
| Married | 5% | X | 5% | X | X | X | 5% | X | X | X |
| Membership/Group | X | 7% | X | X | 10% | 7% | X | X | X | 7% |
| Military | X | X | 15% | 15% | 4% | 10% | X | X | X | 30% |
| Military Garaging | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | 15% |
| Multiple Drivers | 25% | 20% | 20% | X | X | 25% | X | X | 25% | X |
| Multiple Policies | 10% | 29% | 20% | 10% | 20% | 10% | 12% | 17% | 13% | X |
| Multiple Vehicles | X | 10% | 8% | 25% | 10% | 20% | 10% | 20% | 8% | X |
| New Address | X | 5% | X | X | 5% | 5% | X | 5% | X | X |
| New Customer/New Plan | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| New Graduate | 5% | 15% | 10% | X | 5% | 15% | 10% | 5% | 15% | 10% |
| New Vehicle | 30% | X | 30% | 15% | 40% | X | 40% | 10% | 12% | X |
| Newly Licensed | X | X | X | X | 5% | X | X | X | X | X |
| Newlyweds | 10% | X | 5% | 5% | 5% | X | 10% | X | 10% | X |
| Non-Smoker/Non-Drinker | X | X | 10% | X | 10% | 10% | X | X | X | 10% |
| Occasional Operator | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Occupation | X | X | X | X | 10% | 15% | X | X | X | X |
| On-Time Payments | 5% | 10% | X | 10% | 10% | 15% | 15% | X | 15% | X |
| Online Shopper | 10% | X | X | X | 10% | X | 7% | X | 10% | X |
| Paperless Documents | 10% | 5% | X | 5% | 5% | 5% | $50 | 10% | 5% | 10% |
| Paperless/Auto Billing | 5% | 5% | X | X | 3% | $30 | X | $20 | 3% | 3% |
| Passive Restraint | 30% | 30% | X | 40% | X | 20% | X | 40% | X | X |
| Recent Retirees | X | X | X | X | 4% | X | X | X | X | X |
| Renter | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Roadside Assistance | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Safe Driver | 45% | X | X | 15% | X | 35% | 31% | 15% | 23% | 12% |
| Seat Belt Use | X | X | X | 15% | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Senior Driver | 10% | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Stable Residence | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Students & Alumni | X | X | X | X | 10% | 7% | X | X | X | X |
| Switching Provider | X | X | X | X | 10% | X | X | X | X | X |
| Usage-Based Discount | 20% | 40% | 20% | X | 30% | 40% | $231/yr | 50% | 30% | 5% |
| Utility Vehicle | 15% | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Vehicle Recovery | 10% | X | X | 15% | 35% | 25% | X | 5% | X | X |
| VIN Etching | X | X | X | X | 5% | X | X | X | X | X |
| Volunteer | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Young Driver | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | $75 |
If you live in one of the seven states with the best drivers, you likely qualify for these and more safe driving discounts. Shop around with multiple companies and compare quotes and discounts before buying to find the best auto insurance rates in your state.
So what are the top 10 states with highest car insurance? Check out the states with the most expensive car insurance below, along with their average monthly auto insurance premiums.
- Delaware: $225
- Louisiana: $214
- New York: $213
- Georgia: $212
- Maryland: $209
- Michigan: $208
- New Jersey: $196
- Florida: $195
- Rhode Island: $193
- South Carolina: $180
As you can see, safe driving pays off in more ways than one. You will enjoy lower car insurance rates, can earn safe driving discounts, and can trust in lower rates of car crashes on your local roads. Do your part to make the roads in your state safer!
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What You Need to Know About the Best Drivers in the U.S. by State
The best drivers in the U.S. follow the posted speed limit, yield to other drivers on the road, and carry at least the minimum auto insurance required in their state.
Overall, the states with the best drivers are:
- Connecticut
- Hawaii
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- Utah
The top state with the best drivers in the U.S. is Massachusetts, with the lowest rate of traffic fatalities and uninsured drivers in the country. The Northeast has the best drivers, with Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New Jersey appearing in the top 10 of these lists year after year.
If you live in a state with fewer traffic fatalities and more insured drivers on the road, you likely pay less for auto insurance. Insurance companies reward safe drivers with discounts and reduced rates for remaining accident-free.
Compare auto insurance quotes from multiple companies to find one that rewards you with the best rates for your driving record.
Methodology for Finding the Best Drivers in the U.S.
To find the top safest drivers by state, we looked at the NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data for the number of traffic fatalities per state per capita. Next, we considered how many auto deaths occurred per 100,000 persons to find an accurate representation based on the state’s population size.
We compared this number to the national average of 11 per 100,000 people and only considered states with less than 10 deaths per 100,000.
Speeding is the number one cause of auto accidents in the United States, and we considered how many auto deaths occurred on a freeway or expressway, where posted speed limits are often 55 mph or higher.
Since accidents are more likely to occur the longer you’re on the road, we also examined how many auto deaths occurred per 100 million vehicle miles driven. Then we compared this to the national average of 1.11. States with less than one death per 100 million miles are considered home to the safest drivers.
Finally, we included uninsured drivers because driving without insurance is illegal in 48 states. Responsible drivers will carry at least the minimum liability coverage required in their home state to protect others on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which states have the best drivers in the U.S.?
A top question many people want to know is where are the best drivers in the U.S.? The states with the best drivers based on fatal accident rates and percentage of uninsured drivers are the following:
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Minnesota
- Utah
- Vermont
- New Jersey
- Connecticut
Planning a road trip? Try a route that involves one of these best states to drive in.
What are the common traits of bad drivers?
Bad drivers often engage in speeding, reckless driving, failure to stay in their lane, failing to yield to others, acting out in road rage, and frequently driving without car insurance.
In addition, the worst drivers in America are distracted, failing to wear seatbelts, and driving aggressively. These dangerous driving behaviors lead to fatal accidents.
What are the states with the most road rage?
Reports show that the five states with the most road rage are the following:
- West Virginia
- Virginia
- Oklahoma
- Alabama
- Texas
The drivers in these states are known to be the “most confrontational.” Many visitors find these states the worst states to drive in after experiencing or witnessing one of these angry exchanges.
Drivers in these states are quick to fight or engage in angry outbursts when they feel someone isn’t driving properly or has cut them off on the road.
What makes a best or worst state for driving?
There are certain driving behaviors that have proven to be large determining factors when it comes to good versus bad driving.
Here’s a list of those driving behaviors to closely monitor:
- Driving the speed limit vs Speeding
- Driving carefully vs Recklessly
- Staying in your lane vs Weaving
- Yielding to other drivers vs Cutting drivers off
- Driving defensively vs Aggressively
- Staying calm vs Road rage
- Maintaining a safe distance vs Hard braking
- Driving during the day vs Late night driving
- Driving insured vs Uninsured
In this study we looked at the fatal crash statistics from the NHTSA plus the insured driver rates from III.
Which state has the best drivers?
Going by the NHTSA fatal crash stats and the III insured motorist data, the state with the best drivers is Massachusetts.
Here’s the data used to make this decision:
- Least traffic Deaths per 100K People at 4.9
- Least traffic deaths per 100M Vehicle Miles at .63
- Lowest amount of uninsured drivers at 3.5%
Do states with the best drivers have lower traffic fatality rates?
Yes, states with the best drivers generally have lower traffic fatality rates compared to the national average.
How do states with the best drivers fare in terms of uninsured motorists?
States like Massachusetts and New Jersey have a lower rate of uninsured drivers, while Hawaii and Minnesota have a higher rate, though still lower than the national average.
Does being a safe driver lead to lower auto insurance rates?
Yes, safe drivers often receive reduced rates and discounts from auto insurance companies. Living in a state with the best drivers can also contribute to lower insurance rates due to the reduced risk of accidents and claims. The safest states to drive in enjoy lower rates of deadly car accidents and cheap car insurance. Safe driving pays off!
What state has the worst drivers?
We learned which states have the best drivers, but what about the states with the worst drivers? Which state has the worst drivers?
When looking at the fatal traffic accidents reported by NHTSA, Mississippi has the worst drivers in the U.S.
Mississippi has the highest rate of fatal car accidents at 22.2 deaths per 100,000 people.
This could be due partly to what surveys have uncovered: Mississippi drivers admit to spending 8% of their time behind the wheel on their phones. Mississippi is also a location with some of the lowest rates of seat belt use in America.
What country has the safest roads?
The three countries with the safest roads are the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.
- Netherlands: In the #1 spot for the safest roads, the Netherlands wins for road quality, the most seatbelt use, and the least traffic. This country also has the highest per capita number of cyclists in the world, which means fewer drivers.
- Norway: With the second-lowest number of traffic deaths per 100k residents and the lowest speed limit at just 68mph, Norway wins 2nd place for having the safest roads.
- Sweden: Ranking a top-three country for the safest roadways, is Sweden with a very low number of road deaths and one of the highest percentages of seatbelt use in the world.
Where are the best drivers in North America?
Where are the worst drivers in the world?
What state has the highest car insurance?
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