Montana Ranked Among Top 10 Deadliest U.S. States for Summer Road Trips

A new study reveals that Montana ranks second for the most fatal summer crashes per capita in the U.S.

The research by California-based criminal defense firm Simmrin Law Group analyzed fatal crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the summer months of June, July, and August, from 2019 to 2023. The data was normalized using U.S. Census population estimates to calculate a five-year average of deadly summer crashes per 100,000 residents in all 50 states.

Montana ranks second with 6.33 fatal summer crashes per 100,000 residents, 85% higher than the national average of 3.43. Home to over 1.1 million people, the state saw an average of nearly 70 deadly crashes each summer. Its worst year was 2020 with 76 crashes, while 2021 had the fewest with 61.


Looking at the findings, a spokesperson at Simmrin Law Group commented:

“This data highlights an often-overlooked aspect of travel safety in America. Many people take summer road trips unaware of how deadly some state highways can be, especially in states like Montana, which recorded one of the highest fatal crash rates.

“High-speed rural roads, vacation traffic, and driver fatigue all fuel these numbers.

“To curb fatalities, states must improve infrastructure, boost driver awareness, and ensure stronger law enforcement during peak travel months.”

Methodology
The study analyzed fatal crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the summer months of June, July, and August, from 2019 to 2023. The data was normalized using U.S. Census population estimates to calculate a five-year average of deadly summer crashes per 100,000 residents in all 50 states.