Davidoff Law Personal Injury Lawyers conducted research to identify and rank the most dangerous U.S. states for young drivers, focusing on states with the highest percentage of fatal incidents with drivers aged 15-20. Key metrics that comprised the research include population, number of registered cars, number of fatal incidents, number of crashes involving unlicensed drivers and speeding violations. The final ranking of each state is determined solely by the percentage of fatal incidents involving young drivers out of total fatal incidents. Additional metrics, like maximum speed limit and speeding violations, offer supporting information, identifying road safety factors that impact young driver risks across different states.

Delaware is the most dangerous state for young drivers aged 15-20. With just a low number of registered vehicles, Delaware records a disproportionate number of fatal accidents involving young drivers, resulting in a 19.6% fatality rate for this age group. Delaware’s maximum speed limit is set at 65 mph, and while speeding in Delaware caused 9.65% of fatal auto accidents, the high rate of fatalities suggests other factors at play, such as inexperience and risk-taking behaviors.

Nebraska ranks as the second most dangerous state, having 19.2% total fatal incidents. The state sees a significant number of crashes involving unlicensed drivers (277 incidents), and a 10.68% speeding violation rate. Nebraska’s expansive rural roads and a maximum speed limit of 75 mph create challenging conditions for young drivers who may be less equipped to handle high-speed driving in open spaces.

In North Dakota, which ranks third, the percentage of total incidents comprises 16.7%. The state records the lowest car registration rates and a high number of young driver fatalities. Careless driving and high speed contributed to 14.41% of North Dakota’s speed violations.

Utah ranks fourth, with young drivers involved in 16.6% of fatal incidents. The state’s maximum speed limit is 80 mph, one of the highest in the nation, which may contribute to a high number of crashes (408). Despite a relatively low speeding violation rate of 11.97%, the risks of high-speed driving are evident. While Utah has a strong focus on road safety, the state’s high-speed limits continue to be a challenge for young drivers, requiring ongoing safety efforts.

South Dakota ranks fifth, reporting 121 fatal incidents.  With a maximum speed limit of 80 mph, the state’s expansive roadways may cause risky driving behavior. 11.14% of drivers in South Dakota have speeding violations, and unlicensed driving remains a concern, with 152 crashes. South Dakota’s high-speed rural roads require a level of skills for young drivers, making it a dangerous state for this age group.

Connecticut is the sixth one on the list. The state has a high number of registered vehicles (2.9 million), and its relatively dense traffic environment presents hazards for young drivers, with 447 total number of crashes.  

Alaska comes seventh, having 14.7% of fatal incidents and having registered only 559,800 vehicles in the state.  Alaska’s low population density and challenging road conditions add to the risks for young drivers. Careless driving is a major concern here, causing 12.4% of the state’s traffic incidents.

Oklahoma is in eighth place. The state’s high-speed limits (up to 80 mph) and 8.61% speeding violation rate reflect an environment where young drivers may struggle with the demands of high-speed. Oklahoma’s relatively high rate of road accidents (14.5%) presents more further challenges.

Colorado ranks ninth. With 5.4 million registered vehicles, Colorado’s mountainous terrain, changing weather conditions, and high-speed limits (75 mph) make it a dangerous state for young drivers to navigate. Impaired driving is another factor, with 12.03% of drivers having speeding violations.

Illinois rounds out the top 10 of most dangerous states, with young drivers involved in 14.2% of fatal incidents. Having the highest number of registered vehicles among the top-ranked states (10 million), Illinois sees a relatively high fatality rate among young drivers. The state’s maximum speed limit is 70 mph, and with 8.99% of drivers having speeding violations, the high traffic volume and fast-moving traffic contribute to a challenging environment for young drivers.