Texas Records Nation’s Highest Number of Preventable Traffic Deaths, Study Finds

DALLAS, Texas (TXAN 24) — Texas ranks eighth in the nation for preventable fatal crash rates, but leads the country in the total number of annual deaths linked to avoidable crashes, according to a new analysis of federal traffic data.

The study, conducted by Blakeley Law Firm using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), found Texas averages 2,528 preventable fatal crashes annually between 2020 and 2024.

Researchers calculated Texas experiences 8.39 preventable fatal crashes per 100,000 residents, placing the state eighth nationally. Speeding was identified as the leading contributing factor, accounting for more than 1,300 deaths annually statewide.

New Mexico ranked first with 16.39 preventable fatal crashes per 100,000 residents, followed by Montana and Wyoming. By comparison, Massachusetts reported the nation’s lowest rate at 2.65 per 100,000 residents.

The report highlights the difference between population-adjusted risk and overall volume, with Texas’ large population contributing to the highest raw number of fatal crashes in the United States.

Top states for preventable fatal crash rates included New Mexico, Montana, Wyoming, South Carolina, and Louisiana. Texas ranked ahead of Colorado and Missouri in the top ten list.

The findings were based on federal crash data collected through 2024 and analyzed by the law firm using preventable crash indicators including speeding and other driver-related factors.