A brand new nationwide research by Shane Smith Regulation has recognized Mississippi because the deadliest state in relation to uninsured drivers concerned in deadly crashes.
The findings, based mostly on federal crash information and insurance coverage statistics, present that states with larger uninsured populations face considerably higher dangers on the street — each for drivers and for accident victims who could battle to get well compensation.
Mississippi Ranks #1
Mississippi led the nation in 2023 with 69 uninsured drivers concerned in deadly crashes. Adjusted for inhabitants, this equals 24 uninsured drivers per million residents — the best fee of any state.
The state additionally ranks eighth for share of uninsured residents, with 10.3% of Mississippians missing auto insurance coverage protection.
Wyoming and Texas Not Far Behind
Wyoming positioned second, with 22 uninsured drivers concerned in deadly crashes per million residents. The state recorded 13 such crashes in whole, however its small inhabitants magnifies the speed. With 10.7% of residents uninsured, Wyoming ranks sixth total for insurance coverage gaps.
Texas completed third, with 21 uninsured drivers per million residents. Extra alarmingly, Texas recorded 635 uninsured drivers in deadly crashes — the best uncooked quantity within the U.S. The state additionally leads the nation with the biggest uninsured inhabitants share at 16.4%.
Oklahoma and New Mexico Tie for Fourth
Each Oklahoma and New Mexico reported 18 uninsured drivers in deadly crashes per million residents.
Oklahoma has one of many highest uninsured populations (11.4%) and logged 73 deadly crashes involving uninsured drivers.
New Mexico, with a 9.1% uninsured fee, recorded 37 such crashes in 2023.
The 5 Most Harmful States
Rank
State
% Uninsured Residents
Deadly Crashes Involving Uninsured Drivers (per million residents)
Complete Deadly Crash Drivers 2023
1
Mississippi
10.3%
24
665
2
Wyoming
10.7%
22
121
3
Texas
16.4%
21
3,874
4
Oklahoma
11.4%
18
643
5
New Mexico
9.1%
18
402
States With the Lowest Charges
In contrast, Massachusetts had the bottom fee within the nation, with simply 1 uninsured driver in deadly crashes per million residents. Solely 2.6% of Massachusetts residents are uninsured, the bottom share within the U.S. Out of 325 drivers concerned in deadly crashes statewide, only one was estimated to be uninsured.
Different states with the bottom charges embrace:
Hawaii – 2 uninsured drivers per million residents (3.2% uninsured fee)
New York – 3 uninsured drivers per million residents (4.8% uninsured fee)
Minnesota – 3 uninsured drivers per million residents (4.2% uninsured fee)
Rhode Island – 3 uninsured drivers per million residents (4.5% uninsured fee)
These states mix stronger insurance coverage compliance with decrease uninsured populations, serving to hold each charges and uncooked numbers far under the nationwide common.
Professional Commentary
A spokesperson from Shane Smith Regulation stated:
“The information exhibits a transparent relationship between states with excessive uninsured populations and deadly crashes involving uninsured drivers. This creates actual challenges for victims and households who could not have entry to the compensation they deserve.
States that implement stricter insurance coverage necessities persistently report fewer uninsured drivers and fewer lethal crashes. Increasing insurance coverage mandates and enhancing compliance may save lives and defend drivers financially.”
Why It Issues
For accident victims, the involvement of an uninsured driver can complicate the restoration course of. With out an lively insurance coverage coverage, households could also be pressured to depend on their very own uninsured motorist protection — or face overwhelming medical prices and monetary hardship.
The Shane Smith Regulation research highlights the pressing want for coverage reform and enforcement in states with excessive uninsured charges. By strengthening insurance coverage necessities and guaranteeing higher compliance, states may dramatically scale back the variety of uninsured drivers on the street and, in flip, decrease the dangers of deadly crashes.
