Texas Ranks as #4 State in Self-Driving Vehicle Crash Risk, New Study Finds

WAXAHACHIE, Texas (TXAN 24) — Texas ranks as one of the most dangerous state in the country for autonomous vehicles, according to a May 2026 analysis from Brown & Crouppen.

The study, which evaluated crash data, road conditions, traffic density, weather patterns, and wildlife-related collisions, reports more than 2,000 incidents involving self-driving or driver-assist systems nationwide over the past year.

California alone accounted for 821 crashes involving autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles, the highest total in the United States.

Arizona ranked second, followed by Nevada, Texas, and Louisiana. Texas placed fourth overall, with more than 300 reported autonomous vehicle incidents and concerns tied to deteriorating road surfaces, complex intersections, and high traffic volume across major metro areas.

The study also highlighted environmental factors that challenge self-driving systems, including heavy rainfall in Gulf Coast states, desert glare in the Southwest, and wildlife collisions in rural regions.

Texas remains one of the most active states for autonomous vehicle testing and travel miles, which researchers say increases both exposure and incident reporting compared to lower-traffic states.

A spokesperson involved in the research noted that liability in autonomous vehicle crashes remains an evolving legal issue as robotaxis expand into more U.S. cities.

The findings are based on analysis from Brown & Crouppen.