A new analysis of 129,825 fatal crashes shows that state highways – not interstates – see the most deadly accidents, accounting for 42% of all fatal crashes nationwide.

Over five years, Texas has recorded 18,728 crashes. The most dangerous roads are:

A new nationwide analysis of crash data reveals that state highways – not interstates – account for the largest proportion of deadly road crashes in the United States.

The study by iSelect examined 129,825 fatal crashes across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., breaking them down by road type: interstates, U.S. highways, state highways, and local streets. The findings show that 42% of fatal crashes nationwide occur on state highways, compared with 23% on U.S. highways, 18% on interstates, and 17% on local streets.

State highways often combine higher speed limits with frequent intersections, mixed traffic, and limited separation between vehicles, creating a particularly high-risk environment.

States Where Risk Is Concentrated on State Highways

Several states show an especially high proportion of fatal crashes occurring on state highways:

In these states, state highways often function as primary commuter and freight routes, increasing exposure to high-speed collisions.

In contrast, some states see a much larger share of fatal crashes on interstates, reflecting long-distance travel, higher speeds, and rural highway exposure:

Local streets account for nearly half of fatal crashes in some urban-heavy areas: