New research by Whitley Law Firm has revealed the most dangerous states in the U.S. for school runs, analyzing fatal traffic incidents involving children during weekday commutes. According to the findings, Wyoming is the most dangerous state, with 13.91 fatal crashes per 100,000 people involving children aged 14 or under.

The study draws on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the United States Census Bureau, examining fatal accidents from Monday to Friday between 2018 and 2022 that involved children under 15. The rankings are based on the number of fatal weekday crashes per 100,000 residents.

10 Dangerous States for School Runs

1. Wyoming – 74 total fatal crashes | 13.91 per 100,000
2. Arkansas – 348 fatal crashes | 12.11 per 100,000
3. Mississippi – 314 fatal crashes | 11.38 per 100,000
4. South Carolina – 520 fatal crashes | 11.33 per 100,000
5. New Mexico – 209 fatal crashes | 11.31 per 100,000
6. Louisiana – 483 fatal crashes | 11.08 per 100,000
7. Alabama – 482 fatal crashes | 10.54 per 100,000
8. West Virginia – 147 fatal crashes | 10.26 per 100,000
9. Kentucky – 415 fatal crashes | 10.05 per 100,000
10. Oklahoma – 385 fatal crashes | 9.80 per 100,000

Despite having a smaller population, Wyoming’s rate of 13.91 fatal crashes per 100,000 people places it firmly at the top. Arkansas and Mississippi follow closely behind, both reporting over 300 child fatalities within the five-year period.

States like South Carolina, New Mexico, and Louisiana also report rates above 11 per 100,000, indicating heightened risks for children during weekday school runs.

What Makes School Runs So Dangerous?

A spokesperson from Whitley Law Firm commented:

“Mornings and afternoons are high-risk times for children due to increased traffic around schools. Distractions such as phones, friends, or rushing to school make children less alert. Inadequate pedestrian crossings and the risks posed by school buses further amplify the danger. Addressing these issues is essential to ensuring safe, stress-free commutes for students.”

Full Ranking: The Rest of the 20 States

1. Tennessee – 602 fatal crashes | 9.52 per 100,000
2. Missouri – 531 fatal crashes | 9.48 per 100,000
3. North Carolina – 870 fatal crashes | 9.24 per 100,000
4. North Dakota – 70 fatal crashes | 9.24 per 100,000
5. Montana – 86 fatal crashes | 8.93 per 100,000
6. South Dakota – 80 fatal crashes | 8.83 per 100,000
7. Alaska – 63 fatal crashes | 8.55 per 100,000
8. Florida – 1,507 fatal crashes | 8.55 per 100,000
9. Georgia – 825 fatal crashes | 8.07 per 100,000
10. Kansas – 226 fatal crashes | 7.98 per 100,000

While Florida had the highest total number of fatal crashes involving children (1,507), its rate per 100,000 people is significantly lower than smaller states like Wyoming and Arkansas.

Methodology

The study analyzed data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) provided by the NHTSA, focusing on crashes involving children aged 14 or under that occurred from Monday to Friday, between 2018 and 2022. Per capita crash rates were calculated using 2022 U.S. Census Bureau population estimates, determining the number of fatal crashes involving children per 100,000 people.

Disclaimer: The data and findings in this article are based on research conducted by Whitley Law Firm and the analysis of traffic incidents from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and U.S. Census Bureau. The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for decision-making regarding school safety. The results may vary by region, and readers should refer to local authorities for specific safety recommendations.