Did you know that the drivers in Mississippi are nearly twice as likely to die in a car crash than in other, safer states like Massachusetts or New York?
In 2025, the state’s public fatality rate rose to 1.90 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, making it the most dangerous place to travel in the U.S. Such sobering numbers have ignited thoughts on how the emerging AI revolution can be a game-changer for road safety.
A published by Bader Law Firm has identified the states with the highest car accident fatality rates in 2025, spotlighting the urgent need for better preventive measures in America’s most dangerous regions.
At the same time, platforms powered by artificial intelligence are emerging as crucial tools in rewriting the narrative of road safety, especially where fatalities remain stubbornly high.
This study draws on 2023 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the CDC, ranking states by vehicle deaths per 100 million vehicle‑miles.
States in the top decile saw rates over 1.75 deaths, with West Virginia and Louisiana at the top of the danger list, apart from Mississippi. These states share common risk factors: older road infrastructure, limited traffic enforcement, and high-speed rural highways.
In these high‑risk states, AI systems, ranging from predictive cameras to advanced driver-assistance, are being rolled out to combat rising fatalities.
A recent study from found that AI-powered traffic cameras “don’t just document violations – they promote safer driving behavior and significantly reduce accidents,” even in nearby areas without cameras.
Zhi (Aaron) Cheng, the study’s lead author from the London School of Economics, noted that “citywide deployment of AI‑enabled cameras could have prevented approximately 1,190 accidents, 496 injuries or fatalities, and nearly $1 million in property losses per year”.
Beyond static cameras, AI-driven vehicle technologies, like lane‑keep assist and automated emergency braking, are making roads smarter. The highlights AI’s role in “reducing or eliminating the 43,000 fatalities that occur on American roads on an annual basis”. By analyzing real‑time sensor data, these systems can warn drivers or even take corrective action in critical moments.
