A brand new nationwide research by Shane Smith Legislation has recognized Mississippi because the deadliest state relating to uninsured drivers concerned in deadly crashes.
The findings, primarily based 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 better 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 price of any state.
The state additionally ranks eighth for proportion 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 general 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 largest uninsured inhabitants proportion 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 price, recorded 37 such crashes in 2023.
The 5 Most Harmful States
| Rank | State | % Uninsured Residents | Deadly Crashes Involving Uninsured Drivers (per million residents) | Whole 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 price within the nation, with simply 1 uninsured driver in deadly crashes per million residents. Solely 2.6% of Massachusetts residents are uninsured, the bottom proportion 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 price)
- New York – 3 uninsured drivers per million residents (4.8% uninsured price)
- Minnesota – 3 uninsured drivers per million residents (4.2% uninsured price)
- Rhode Island – 3 uninsured drivers per million residents (4.5% uninsured price)
These states mix stronger insurance coverage compliance with decrease uninsured populations, serving to maintain each charges and uncooked numbers far beneath the nationwide common.
Knowledgeable Commentary
A spokesperson from Shane Smith Legislation mentioned:
“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 might save lives and shield 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 Legislation research highlights the pressing want for coverage reform and enforcement in states with excessive uninsured charges. By strengthening insurance coverage necessities and making certain higher compliance, states might dramatically cut back the variety of uninsured drivers on the street and, in flip, decrease the dangers of deadly crashes.
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