10 States Where You’re Least Likely To Get Into a Car Accident

Living in an area where there are fewer accidents or car thefts will result in lower insurance rates, helping you save money on your car insurance.

CARFAX looked at the accident rate in 50 states and Washington, D.C., to rank the states with the highest and lowest number of accidents per 1,000 registered vehicles.

While you may not relocate because of the number of accidents in your state, you may want to know which states have the least number of accidents. Here are the top 10 safest states for driving.

With a solid public transportation system, many drivers can just skip being on the road in Washington, especially in big cities like Seattle.

There are still a few areas of concern, including along U.S. 2, which runs east and west across the state, and I-90 north and south through Seattle.

You may not be surprised that Montana's open roads and rural nature land it on the list of the states with the fewest accidents.

However, there are still some problematic areas, including along I-90 and I-15. As major truck highways, these interstates are where accidents may occur.

Virginia has fewer roadway accidents overall than most states, partly thanks to its safety programs, good road conditions, and overall good weather.

Still, it’s not uncommon to see areas like I-85 or I-95 in Petersburg congested and difficult to navigate.

Maryland is another surprising state on this list, mainly because it’s a major thoroughfare in the mid-Atlantic and a major commuting area, too. Its safety record may be due to people using public transportation or safer road conditions.

There are some danger areas, though: I-95 to I-495 around Washington, D.C., and U.S. 50 westbound are often heavy with traffic.

Pennsylvania is a hub for transportation, with 23 highways and another 11 auxiliary routes. It’s a big state, after all.

While winter weather is often when you see more accidents, the Keystone State has numerous programs for behavioral-rated driving violations. It is continuously working to improve highway safety through aggressive policing and tech use.

Good education and maintenance, along with lots of plows, help keep Vermont on the list of one of the least likely places to be in a car accident.

Some of the largest highways here include I-89, I-289, and I-91. You'll find live updates on the state’s website to monitor traffic as well along the larger routes through the state.

Most people have experienced (in person or on TV) the traffic along I-5 or I-8, I-10, and I-105 at some point, but the state of California actually has fewer accidents per 1,000 vehicles than many other states.

While there are winding roads, some tricky blind spots, and lots of congestion, California invests in highway safety and road maintenance to help minimize risks.

You may think the slick roadways from snow contribute to Alaska’s risks, but the state has one of the lowest rates of car accidents overall.

A number of highway safety programs are in place to help minimize risks here, including along some of the largest highways, including Alaska Route 1, the Denali Highway, and Dalton Highway.

Hawaii has several larger highways, including Interstate H-1, the longest interstate on Oahu.

Road conditions are typically good, though wet, but you’ll also note that the state’s strict traffic laws and funding for infrastructure improvements help make this a state with fewer accidents.

Oregon has much to offer residents, from a beautiful coast to dense, hilly terrain. Yet, it’s also the state with the fewest crashes.

Whether you’re traveling the Oregon Coast Highway, along I-5, or the Sunset Highway, chances are good you’ll see fewer car crashes due in part to better-maintained routes and less dense traffic.

Whether you’re trying to step up your travel game or commuting to work every day, you never want to have a car accident. The risk of injury, as well as the cost and inconvenience, should make everyone a careful driver.

To become a better driver — and lower your car insurance rate — look into defensive driving courses in your area. 

Most state motor vehicle departments offer courses at a reasonable cost, and you can even find online courses recognized by your state.

Let’s be safe out there.