A recent analysis of fatal car crash data has revealed that Nebraska has the highest percentage of fatal accidents involving more than one vehicle in the United States. The study, conducted by personal injury law experts at Injured In Florida, reviewed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) between 2018 and 2022.

Across the country, 43.17% of fatal crashes during that period involved multiple vehicles. But in Nebraska, the rate soared to 52.22%, making it the most dangerous state for this type of fatal collision.

States with the Highest Rates of Multi-Vehicle Fatal Accidents

Nebraska leads the nation with more than half of all fatal crashes involving two or more vehicles. Of 1,036 total fatal crashes during the five-year period, 462 involved two vehicles, and 79 involved more than two.

Several other states also recorded high proportions of multi-vehicle fatal crashes:

  • Delaware: 47.93% (250 crashes involving two vehicles, 40 involving more than two out of 605 total)
  • Indiana: 46.85% (1,587 + 329 out of 4,090)
  • Michigan: 46.63% (1,936 + 372 out of 4,950)
  • Oklahoma: 46.45% (1,216 + 229 out of 3,111)

These figures suggest that some combination of urban density, interstate traffic, and driver behavior may play a role in elevating the risk of crashes involving more than one vehicle.

Rank State % of Fatal Crashes Involving Multiple Vehicles
1 Nebraska 52.22%
2 Delaware 47.93%
3 Indiana 46.85%
4 Michigan 46.63%
5 Oklahoma 46.45%

States with the Lowest Percentages of Multi-Vehicle Fatalities

Montana, in contrast, reported the lowest rate in the nation. Only 28.09% of its 929 fatal crashes involved multiple vehicles (238 involving two vehicles and 23 involving more than two). Other states with low multi-vehicle fatality rates include:

  • Maine: 34.11% (199 + 49 out of 727)
  • Rhode Island: 34.15% (79 + 19 out of 287)
  • Hawaii: 35.34% (144 + 32 out of 498)
  • Wyoming: 37.18% (175 + 31 out of 554)

These results could reflect factors such as lower traffic volumes, rural road conditions, and reduced congestion, especially in less densely populated states.

Rank State % of Fatal Crashes Involving Multiple Vehicles
46 Wyoming 37.18%
47 Hawaii 35.34%
48 Rhode Island 34.15%
49 Maine 34.11%
50 Montana 28.09%

Understanding the National Trend

Nationally, more than four in ten fatal crashes involved more than one vehicle between 2018 and 2022. Heavily populated and urbanized states tended to report higher rates, suggesting that multi-vehicle collisions are more common in areas with dense highway networks and frequent commuting.

A spokesperson for Injured In Florida explained:

“Knowing which states have the highest rates of multi-vehicle fatal crashes is vital to improving safety. With more vehicles on the roads, there’s a higher chance of complex collisions. Road infrastructure, traffic enforcement, and driver education programs must adapt accordingly.”

What Causes Multi-Vehicle Fatal Crashes?

Experts believe several factors contribute to these dangerous accidents:

  • Speeding: High-speed collisions, particularly on highways, often involve multiple vehicles due to lack of reaction time.
  • Distracted Driving: Using phones or multitasking while driving leads to increased crash likelihood.
  • Poor Road Conditions: Limited visibility, icy surfaces, or poor lighting can make chain-reaction accidents more likely.
  • Aggressive Driving: Tailgating or unsafe lane changes can turn one mistake into a multi-vehicle disaster.

Policy Implications and Recommendations

State and local authorities can use this data to reassess their road safety measures. Recommendations include:

  • Enhanced enforcement of seatbelt and phone usage laws.
  • Improved traffic signage and lighting at high-risk intersections.
  • Public awareness campaigns about safe driving distances and defensive driving.
  • Investment in roundabouts and protected turn lanes, which reduce conflict points.

Additionally, driver education curriculums could include more emphasis on multi-vehicle collision avoidance, particularly in states with high-risk figures.

Why This Data Matters

The impact of a single multi-vehicle fatal crash is wide-reaching. These accidents often cause highway closures, emotional trauma, significant legal implications, and enormous financial cost. Understanding where these crashes are most frequent allows states to focus prevention efforts where they’re needed most.

Final Thoughts

The study by Injured In Florida highlights the states with the most and least multi-vehicle fatal crashes over a five-year period. While national rates remain high, states like Nebraska stand out as needing particular attention. With the right infrastructure investments and public education, these tragic accidents can be reduced.

Methodology

Fatal crash data was sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) for the years 20182022. The percentage of fatal crashes involving at least two or at least three vehicles was calculated for each state, and those percentages were combined to find the total share of multi-vehicle fatal crashes. States were ranked accordingly.

Sources

  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • 2020 U.S. Election Results
  • Injured In Florida

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