The dangers of distracted driving have escalated into a life-threatening issue on American roads. According to a recent study conducted by Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, thousands of people lose their lives each year due to this perilous behavior. However, the study revealed that certain states bear a disproportionately higher burden when it comes to distracted driving fatalities.
Topping the list as the worst state for distracted driving is New Mexico, with a disconcerting final score of 100. Shockingly, almost 40% of fatal crashes in the state were attributed to distracted driving. Joining New Mexico in the top ten worst states are Kansas, Louisiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, Hawaii, Idaho, Texas, Wyoming, and Washington, each with their own concerning statistics regarding distracted driving fatalities.
To determine these rankings, Bader Scott considered several factors such as total crash deaths, fatalities caused by distracted drivers, deaths per 100,000 residents, and the number of distracted drivers per 100,000 licensed drivers. New Mexico claimed the dubious distinction of having the highest number of distracted drivers per 100,000 licensed drivers among all states.
Conversely, some states fared significantly better in the study, with one state even earning a perfect score of zero. Rhode Island emerged as the best state for distracted driving, showcasing exemplary safety practices on its roads. The remaining top ten best states are Connecticut, Alaska, Mississippi, Nevada, California, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Hampshire, and Iowa.
To compile their findings, Bader Scott analyzed data from reputable sources such as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), and Census Bureau Population figures. Although the distracted driving rankings pertain to the 2024 calendar year, it’s important to note that the data from the NHTSA and FHA used in the study dates back to 2022.
The overall scores were calculated based on three key indicators, each given a specific weightage. The first indicator, accounting for 30% of the total score, focused on the percentage of distracted driving fatalities. The second indicator measured the number of individuals killed per 100,000 residents by distracted drivers, carrying a weightage of 35%. Lastly, the third indicator assessed the number of distracted drivers involved per 100,000 licensed drivers in fatal crashes, also accounting for 35% of the final score.
These weighted indicators played a crucial role in determining each state’s overall score and subsequent ranking. By shedding light on the states with the highest and lowest scores for distracted driving, this study serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and drivers across the nation. It underscores the urgent need for robust awareness campaigns, stricter law enforcement, and improved driver education programs to address the growing epidemic of distracted driving.