Did you know that the drivers in Mississippi are nearly twice as likely to die in a car crash than in other, safer states like Massachusetts or New York?
In 2025, the state’s public fatality rate rose to 1.90 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, making it the most dangerous place to travel in the U.S. Such sobering numbers have ignited thoughts on how the emerging AI revolution can be a game-changer for road safety.
A new analysis published by Bader Law Firm has identified the states with the highest car accident fatality rates in 2025, spotlighting the urgent need for better preventive measures in America’s most dangerous regions.
At the same time, platforms powered by artificial intelligence are emerging as crucial tools in rewriting the narrative of road safety, especially where fatalities remain stubbornly high.
This study draws on 2023 data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the CDC, ranking states by vehicle deaths per 100 million vehicle‑miles.
States in the top decile saw rates over 1.75 deaths, with West Virginia and Louisiana at the top of the danger list, apart from Mississippi. These states share common risk factors: older road infrastructure, limited traffic enforcement, and high-speed rural highways.
In these high‑risk states, AI systems, ranging from predictive cameras to advanced driver-assistance, are being rolled out to combat rising fatalities.
A recent study from INFORMS Management Science found that AI-powered traffic cameras “don’t just document violations – they promote safer driving behavior and significantly reduce accidents,” even in nearby areas without cameras.
Zhi (Aaron) Cheng, the study’s lead author from the London School of Economics, noted that “citywide deployment of AI‑enabled cameras could have prevented approximately 1,190 accidents, 496 injuries or fatalities, and nearly $1 million in property losses per year”.
Beyond static cameras, AI-driven vehicle technologies, like lane‑keep assist and automated emergency braking, are making roads smarter. The ITS America report highlights AI’s role in “reducing or eliminating the 43,000 fatalities that occur on American roads on an annual basis”. By analyzing real‑time sensor data, these systems can warn drivers or even take corrective action in critical moments.
Commercial fleet operators have already recognized AI's edge. According to AT&T Business, AI‑powered telematics used by fleets can monitor driver fatigue, speeding, and unsafe behavior in real time, preventing accidents before they happen. Similar AI dash-cams deter tailgating, texting while driving, and other risky actions, “ allowing managers to correct behaviors before they lead to a crash” .
In the worst-performing counties, primarily in rural states, crash rates often exceed 2.0 traffic deaths per 100 million vehicle‑miles. These are exactly the areas where AI can have the most impact.
Dr. Rebekah Dudley, Director of Road Vision Analytics, says: “Implementing AI‑based predictive analytics in fatality hotspots can proactively guide drivers and alert authorities, shifting the response from reactive to preventive.”
While fully autonomous vehicles remain in development, human-driven cars remain the immediate focus. A recent Forbes Council article emphasizes that AI systems like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warnings are already saving lives—“processing complex situations faster than a human driver could” .
Still, experts caution that rolling out AI must be done thoughtfully. Another recent article points out issues such as bias in the data, privacy concerns, high deployment costs, and the need to benefit underserved communities . Equity must be part of the roadmap, ensuring that AI isn’t deployed only in wealthier urban areas.
Despite these challenges, the potential gains are significant. AI-powered traffic camera systems like Yunex’s ITMS have already achieved a 20 percent reduction in wrong‑way crashes in pilot programs.
RoadVision AI tools have reduced overall crash rates by 14 percent in select city corridors. These wins suggest similar success could be replicated in rural and high‑fatality states, if policymakers act.
As the Bader Law report makes clear, geography still plays a deadly role in American driving safety. But AI offers a proven path forward: one that moves traffic safety from reaction to prevention, even in the riskiest regions. Experts and officials agree: for the most dangerous roads in America, AI isn’t just an upgrade, it’s a much-needed lifeline.