New York Avoids Worst Rankings For Fatal Rear End Crashes

A new traffic safety study found that thousands of Americans have died in rear end crashes over the last several years, but New York was not among the states with the highest risk.

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Rear End Crashes Continue To Kill Thousands

They looked at federal crash data from 2020 through 2024 and found that rear end collisions killed more than 6,800 people nationwide during that time. The study said the United States averages about 2,711 fatal rear end crashes each year. Rear end crashes are linked to tailgating, distracted driving, speeding, and drivers not leaving enough space between vehicles.

Southern States Saw The Highest Fatality Rates

Mississippi ranked as the most dangerous state for deadly rear end crashes with 25.56 deaths per million licensed drivers. Rhode Island had the lowest rate in the country at just 3.44 deaths per million drivers.

Texas And Florida Reported The Most Fatal Crashes

Because of their large populations, Texas and Florida had the highest total number of deadly rear end crashes. Researchers said the two states combined averaged 626 fatal rear end crashes every year. Other states ranking in the top 10 for fatal rear end crash risk were New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, and Tennessee.

Simple Driving Habits Can Help Prevent Crashes

Safety experts say one of the easiest ways to avoid a rear end crash is by leaving more space between your car and the vehicle ahead of you. They also recommend avoiding distractions like texting while driving and slowing down during heavy traffic or bad weather. Officials remind drivers that rear end crashes can happen anywhere in a split second.