In Vermont, 87% of Crash Deaths Happen on Rural Roads. In Massachusetts, It's 4%.

“Geography shapes crash risk more than almost any other factor.”

A handful of states show just how extreme the rural-urban gap can get. Vermont, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Maine all see 80% or more of their crash deaths occur on rural roads — compared to a national average of 41%.

The most rural, highest-risk states

Vermont (87%), North Dakota (85%), South Dakota (81%), and Maine (80%) top the list. Montana, Wyoming, and Mississippi all cluster in the 75–78% range. At the opposite end, New Jersey (9%), Hawaii (8%), Maryland (6%), and Massachusetts (4%) benefit from dense, mostly urban road networks where fewer crashes happen on the highest-risk rural road types.

A concentration, not necessarily a failure

A high rural crash-death share doesn't automatically mean a state is failing its drivers — it often just reflects how much of the state's driving happens on rural roads in the first place. What matters more is whether that rural exposure is paired with weak driving laws and limited access to instruction, which is exactly where the real risk compounds.

If you live in a high-rural-share state, rural-specific driving skills — not just general road rules — deserve real attention before your teen drives independently.

Coastline is on a mission to eradicate car crashes by training safe and confident drivers for life. Learn why Coastline instructors have over 100,000 5-star reviews by signing up for behind-the-wheel lessons via our website or phone/text at 1-800-489-1896.