Worst states for winter driving

Why is winter driving dangerous?

Before we dive into our ranking of the worst states for winter driving, let’s explore why winter conditions are so hazardous. Between 2020 and 2022, every state except Hawaii (and Washington, D.C.) experienced at least one traffic fatality linked to winter weather, indicating that this issue is pervasive across the country.

Slippery roads, black ice, reduced visibility and longer stopping distances are just a few reasons winter driving can be more dangerous. Mechanical failures like dead batteries add to the risks, as do earlier sunsets and challenging road features.

According to AAA, an easy step every driver can take during the winter is reducing overall driving speed and increasing following distances on icy roads.

The 5 most dangerous states for winter driving

Rural areas face disproportionately high traffic fatalities during winter, making them especially dangerous for drivers. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, rural roadways accounted for 43% of all traffic deaths from 2017 to 2021, despite only 20% of the U.S. population living in these areas. It’s no surprise, then, that the five most dangerous states for winter driving are all rural states.

1. Alaska

Alaska holds the top spot for the most dangerous winter driving conditions, largely due to its extreme northern location and challenging geography. On average, Alaska sees 2.85 traffic fatalities tied to winter conditions per 100,000 people. With approximately 14.8 million acres of roadless national forest lands, the lack of road access complicates maintenance and emergency response during harsh winters.

Additionally, Alaska's long, dark winters with fewer hours of daylight exacerbate visibility issues, making driving even more hazardous. Palmer, a town with a population of about 6,500, stands out with the highest rate of traffic fatalities involving winter conditions in the state, at 15.4 per 100,000 people.

2. Wyoming

Wyoming ranks just behind Alaska for the highest rate of winter driving fatalities, with 2.25 traffic deaths per 100,000 people. Nearly all the deaths involve road surface issues due to weather, including snow or ice.

Rawlins, a city with a population of around 8,500, stands out as Wyoming’s most dangerous for winter driving, with 3.94 fatalities per 100,000 people tied to winter conditions. While Wyoming is often celebrated for its rugged beauty and wide-open spaces, these statistics reveal a harsher reality — visitors may want to think twice before venturing onto the state’s roads during the winter months.

3. Montana

Montana holds the record for the coldest recorded temperature in the continental U.S., at -70 degrees Fahrenheit, so it comes as no surprise that winter driving here is especially hazardous. With a population of just over 1 million, Montana sees 1.95 fatalities involving winter conditions per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the U.S. average of just 0.21.

Small towns and expansive highways amplify these risks. Columbia Falls, a small town with a population of about 5,400, experiences the highest rate of winter-related road fatalities in the state, with 6.1 deaths per 100,000 people.

4. South Dakota

South Dakota’s sweeping expanse and isolated roads make navigating its winter months especially perilous, with 1.4 winter-related fatalities per 100,000 people.

Although South Dakota’s worst cities fare better than those in other states, winter driving risks remain considerable. Rapid City, the state’s most dangerous place for winter driving, sees 1.77 fatalities per 100,000 people.

5. North Dakota

North Dakota’s vast, flat plains may seem forgiving, but they pose problems for drivers during the winter months. The state reports 0.95 traffic fatalities involving winter conditions per 100,000 people, over four times higher than the national average. While its flatter terrain lacks the mountainous hazards seen in neighboring states, icy roads and heavy snow across North Dakota’s wide-open landscapes make winter driving especially treacherous.

Grand Forks, the third-largest city in North Dakota, emerges as the most dangerous for winter driving in the state, with 2.29 fatalities per 100,000 people tied to winter conditions — more than double the statewide average.

How does each state compare with winter driving hazards?

To identify the states with the most perilous winter driving conditions, we analyzed traffic fatality data from 2020 to 2022 across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., averaging the number of fatalities each year. We specifically focused on fatal incidents linked to winter weather and weather-affected road surfaces.

How to stay safe on the roads this winter

Mindy McCartt from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) shared expert tips to help drivers stay safe during winter, including practical strategies for navigating hazardous road conditions and reducing the risk of accidents.

• Prepare your vehicle: Make sure your car is winter-ready by checking tire tread, battery health and fluid levels, including antifreeze and windshield washer fluid. Equip your vehicle with an emergency kit that includes blankets, water, a flashlight and tire chains if conditions require them.
• Plan ahead: Before hitting the road, check weather and traffic updates. ODOT recommends using trip planning tools and road cameras to stay informed about current conditions. If snow or ice is expected, consider postponing nonessential travel.
• Change your driving: Slow down, increase your following distance, and avoid sudden movements like hard braking or sharp turns. If you encounter icy patches, particularly black ice, ease off the accelerator and steer gently to maintain control.
• Stay visible and alert: Keep headlights on even during the daytime to improve visibility, and make sure to watch for pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles, especially in low-light conditions. Remain focused and avoid distractions to react quickly to changing road conditions.

Methodology

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team analyzed traffic fatality data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) from 2020 to 2022. We focused on identifying the states with the highest average number of traffic fatalities involving winter conditions per 100,000 people.

For this study, “winter conditions” is defined as either winter weather (e.g., blowing snow, freezing rain, sleet, hail) or winter road hazards (e.g., ice, slush, and/or snow on the road surface).

The analysis covered the winter months (December to March) and included November, as many areas experience winter weather during late autumn. We also examined city-level data for the five states with the most fatalities to identify the cities with the highest number of winter-related traffic fatalities.

For questions about the data or if you'd like to set up an interview, please contact acurls@consumeraffairs.com.

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