Deadly Distractions: The States Where Drivers Gamble with Lives Behind the Wheel

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• New York has the highest distracted driving crash rate in the U.S., with 6 crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers.
• Virginia (16.4)and Alabama (9.1) rank second and third for distracted driving crashes, respectively.
• Vermont reports just 07 crashes per 100,000 drivers — the lowest across the United States.

A new study reveals that New York has the highest distracted driver crash rate in the U.S.

The research by personal injury lawyers H&P Law analyzed state data for distracted driver crashes from 2018 to 2022 via the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Crash rates per 100,000 licensed drivers were calculated to identify the states with the highest number of accidents linked to distracted driving.

New York leads the nation in distracted driving crashes, with 20.6 crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers. That is more than eight times the national average of 2.53 crashes per 100,000 residents. From 2018 to 2022, the Empire State averaged 105.6 fatal distracted driving crashes per year among its 513,838 licensed drivers. The highest number was 115 crashes in 2020, while 2018 had the lowest with 96.

Virginia ranks second in the nation for distracted driving crashes, with 16.4 crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers — more than 548% higher than the national average of 2.53. From 2018 to 2022, the Old Dominion State, home to 543,057 licensed drivers, experienced an average of 89 distracted driving crashes annually. The highest number of crashes occurred in 2020 and 2021, with 103 incidents each, while the lowest was in 2018, with just 54 crashes.

Alabama ranks third in the nation for distracted driving crashes, with 9.1 crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers—that’s about 260% higher than the national average of 2.53. Between 2018 and 2022, the Yellowhammer State, home to 528,873 licensed drivers, saw an average of 48.0 crashes a year caused by distracted driving. The worst year was 2020, with 52 crashes, while 2022 had the fewest at just 45.

Looking at the study, a spokesperson at H&P Law commented:

“The study highlights that states such as New York, Virginia, and Alabama report some of the highest distracted driving crash rates in the U.S. Notably, states ranking in the top ten have consistently recorded elevated numbers of fatal distracted driving accidents between 2018 and 2022, indicating a persistent and concerning trend.

“Younger drivers, particularly those aged 18-29, are disproportionately involved in these incidents, likely due to lifestyle factors such as frequent smartphone use and multitasking behind the wheel. Given the prevalence of these behaviors, addressing distracted driving requires targeted interventions.

“To reduce these preventable crashes, state leaders and policymakers can implement comprehensive strategies, including enhanced public awareness campaigns, stricter enforcement of distracted driving laws, and the integration of technology-driven solutions such as hands-free systems and in-car alerts. Educating drivers about the real-life consequences of distracted driving while promoting safer driving habits can play a crucial role in mitigating risks and saving lives.”

New Jersey takes the fourth position with 8.8 distracted driver crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers, surpassing the national average of 2.53 by about 248%. With 1,456,500 licensed drivers, the Garden State reported an annual average of 128.4 distracted driving incidents during 2018-2022. The highest number of crashes occurred in 2022 (170), while 2020 saw its lowest (95).

North Carolina ranks fifth with 6.5 crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers, 157% more than the average of 2.53. The Tar Heel State’s 1,374,529 licensed drivers experienced an average of 89.0 distracted driving incidents yearly. The highest number of crashes occurred in 2020 (128), while 2022 saw its lowest (46).

Louisiana (6th) documented 4.2 distracted driver crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers, followed by Kansas (7th) at 4.0 distracted driver crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers, Missouri (8th) at 3.7 distracted driver crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers, Kentucky (9th) at 3.7 distracted driver crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers, and Massachusetts (10th) at 3.5 distracted driver crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers.

Table of Extended Results:

The study was conducted by H&P Law, an experienced personal injury law firm dedicated to protecting clients’ rights and maximizing claim value.

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