How safe are your roads this summer? New study finds the safest states for drivers

(NEXSTAR) – Summer is just around the corner, and with the nice weather comes more people on the road than usual.

AAA actually refers to this as the “100 Deadliest Days,” the 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day when there is a rise in driving fatalities across the country, particularly among younger drivers.

But a new MoneyGeek study finds these 100 days are becoming less deadly, with the latest data showing 39,254 summer driving deaths in 2024. While not confirmed yet, 2025 is expected to see a drop as well, to 36,640 deaths.

It’s been a steady decline since 2021, when there were 43,230 reported summer driving deaths. It’s an encouraging sign of safer driving, and some states in particular have seen major improvements on their roads.

To determine the death rate, MoneyGeek looked at the number of summer driving deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) in each state.

Considered the safest place to drive this summer is Massachusetts, which has a rate of 0.67 deaths for every 100 million VMT.

Tied for second are two other East Coast states, Rhode Island and New Jersey, each having a rate of 0.80. They are followed by Alaska at 0.81 and Minnesota at 0.83.

Check out the map below to see how safe your state is on the roads.

In terms of overall improvement, some states have really seen their numbers drop.

Alaska had the largest change in death rate, with The Last Frontier seeing a 51.2% drop in summer driving deaths.

Another state in New England, Vermont, is also high on this list, with a 35.5% drop.

Other states, including Indiana, Montana and Georgia, also saw significant improvement.

Here’s a list of the top 20 states that saw the most improvement on the roads.

On the other end of the spectrum, some states saw their rates jump higher than the previous year.

South Dakota recorded a 36.2% increase in summer driving deaths, the highest among states, with a rate of 1.73. Iowa wasn’t far behind at 18.7%, followed by Mississippi at 11.9%.

To see the full study, head over to MoneyGeek’s website.

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

More Nexstar Media Wire News News

Vance tells Pope Leo to ‘be careful,’ Homan says ‘leave politics alone’

Georgia Republican says ouster of Gen. George will have ‘chilling ...

GOP senator calls on House to impeach Boasberg after contempt hearings halted

House Republicans bristle at Senate-driven DHS plan

Driscoll shuts down social media accounts after post celebrating Duckworth 

Former Virginia lieutenant governor kills wife, himself in ...

Caine says 13 ships made ‘wise decision’ to turn around amid US blockade

A new Social Security COLA projection may be cause for ‘worry,’ senior ...

Stefanik defends Trump’s attacks on Pope Leo: ‘We know his leadership ...

Scarborough: US allies ‘very positive’ about US blockade of Strait of Hormuz

House Democrats file 5 impeachment articles against Hegseth

Cruz calls Carlson ‘deranged, leftist psycho’ following comments on ...

Swalwell exit upends California governor’s race: Poll 

Iran Embassy in Tajikistan posts AI video of Jesus punching Trump in the face

Hegseth compares media to Jewish biblical group that clashed with Jesus

Andy Beshear makes waves in Democratic circles as Southern moderate

Trump needs a fall guy in Iran, and Pete Hegseth has definitely earned it

Republicans battle over ‘last chance’ to enact Trump agenda

The Hill Podcasts – Morning Report

© The Hill