States with the fewest motor vehicle deaths in 2021
Source: Canva
The United States is living through a car crash epidemic born out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
CoPilot analyzed preliminary data from the National Safety Council, released on March 2, 2022, to determine the 10 states with the fewest motor vehicle deaths in 2021. States are ranked according to the number of deaths per 100,000 people, and ties are broken by the state’s total number of motor vehicle deaths. Population estimates were obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau, released on July 1, 2021.
Americans drove an estimated 13% fewer miles in 2020, likely due to stay-at-home orders during the pandemic, yet the country experienced an astounding 24% jump in the rate of road-related deaths over the year before, according to the NSC. The jump represents the largest year-over-year increase calculated by the NSC in 96 years, which representatives say highlights the dire need for the U.S. to prioritize road safety.
The NSC, along with more than 1,500 fellow organizations, in January 2021 sent a letter to the Biden administration calling for a commitment to zero roadway fatalities by 2050. NSC’s Road to Zero Coalition suggests this goal could be met by taking actions such as banning all cell phone use, lowering speed limits, reinstating or passing motorcycle helmet laws, and adopting bicyclist and pedestrian safety programs in communities across the country.
GET THE SAME INSIDER INFO THAT DEALERSHIPS USE
The CoPilot app is the smartest way to buy a car. Built using the same technology as dealerships use, we’ll show you everything you want to know about each listing - like how long it’s been on the lot, or if there are similar vehicles at a better price nearby.
Motor vehicle deaths in America since 1999
Current statistics around traffic deaths show the highest rates since the 1940s. These numbers come on the heels of nearly 60 years of reduced fatalities, thanks to the introduction of reduced speed limits, lowered rates of drunken driving, and a variety of other safety measures. In 2019, the country saw the fewest number of motor vehicle fatalities since the 1920s.
Motor vehicle fatalities by state
On the forthcoming list, just two states—Alaska and Rhode Island—saw a decrease in motor vehicle deaths from 2020 to 2021. Keep reading to see which states had the fewest motor vehicle deaths in 2021.
Source: Canva
#10. Minnesota
- 2021 motor vehicle deaths: 497 (8.7 deaths per 100k in Minnesota)
- 2020 motor vehicle deaths: 395
- Change in fatalities between 2020-2021: +26%
Source: Canva
#9. Alaska
- 2021 motor vehicle deaths: 64 (8.7 deaths per 100k in Alaska)
- 2020 motor vehicle deaths: 65
- Change in fatalities between 2020-2021: -2%
Source: Canva
#8. New Hampshire
- 2021 motor vehicle deaths: 119 (8.6 deaths per 100k in New Hampshire)
- 2020 motor vehicle deaths: 108
- Change in fatalities between 2020-2021: +10%
Source: Canva
#7. Washington
- 2021 motor vehicle deaths: 643 (8.3 deaths per 100k in Washington)
- 2020 motor vehicle deaths: 546
- Change in fatalities between 2020-2021: +18%
THE 10 MOST RELIABLE AMERICAN CARS
Because the car buying experience is so stressful, it’s helpful to go into the dealership with information ahead of time. Therefore, we’ve curated a list of the 10 most reliable American cars so you can approach the process from a place of empowerment.
Source: Canva
#6. New Jersey
- 2021 motor vehicle deaths: 690 (7.4 deaths per 100k in New Jersey)
- 2020 motor vehicle deaths: 587
- Change in fatalities between 2020-2021: +18%
Source: Canva
#5. Hawaii
- 2021 motor vehicle deaths: 94 (6.5 deaths per 100k in Hawaii)
- 2020 motor vehicle deaths: 86
- Change in fatalities between 2020-2021: +9%
Source: Canva
#4. Massachusetts
- 2021 motor vehicle deaths: 414 (5.9 deaths per 100k in Massachusetts)
- 2020 motor vehicle deaths: 342
- Change in fatalities between 2020-2021: +21%
Source: Canva
#3. Rhode Island
- 2021 motor vehicle deaths: 64 (5.8 deaths per 100k in Rhode Island)
- 2020 motor vehicle deaths: 73
- Change in fatalities between 2020-2021: -12%
THE BEST CARS FOR SNOW
Winter driving impacts young and experienced drivers alike. We’ve compiled a list of the best cars for snow, so you can get from Point A to Point B as safely as possible.
Source: Canva
#2. Washington D.C.
- 2021 motor vehicle deaths: 39 (5.8 deaths per 100k in Washington D.C.)
- 2020 motor vehicle deaths: 36
- Change in fatalities between 2020-2021: +8%
Source: Canva
#1. New York
- 2021 motor vehicle deaths: 1,054 (5.3 deaths per 100k in New York)
- 2020 motor vehicle deaths: 963
- Change in fatalities between 2020-2021: +9%
Get a curated list of the best used cars near you
The CoPilot car shopping app is the easiest way to buy a car. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll search the inventories of every dealership in your area to make you a personalized list of the best car listings in your area.
Only looking for newer models? CoPilot Compare is the search engine for nearly-new cars. Only see cars five years or newer with low mileage — CoPilot Compare is the best way to find off-lease, early trade-in, and CPO cars.
The best part? CoPilot is built using the same technology that dealerships use to buy and sell their inventories, so we have more info on each vehicle than competitors. CoPilot doesn’t work with dealerships, so there are no sponsored posts or other shady practices — just the most info on the best cars. Check out our About Us page to see how CoPilot works.
