Mississippi is the most dangerous state for drivers based on its rate of fatal crashes per 100,000 residents, according to a new analysis of federal data.

With the Magnolia State taking the top spot, Wyoming and New Mexico ranked second and third, respectively, and Massachusetts had the lowest rate in the country, per the analysis released by online tire retailer Priority Tire this month.

Priority Tire developed the standings by examining National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data on fatal crashes in each state during 2023, the latest year available. Researchers compared the number of fatal crashes with each state’s population to calculate a rate per 100,000 residents.

There were 9.6 fatal crashes per 100,000 people nationwide in 2023. Mississippi’s rate of 24.9 was more than twice the national rate, with 732 fatal crashes recorded during the year.

Wyoming had 144 fatal crashes, for a rate of 24.7 per 100,000 residents. New Mexico ranked third at 20.7, followed by South Carolina at 19.5 and Arkansas at 19.4.

The 10 states with the highest fatal crash rates

According to Priority Tire, here are the states with the highest rates of fatal crashes per 100,000 residents in 2023:

1. Mississippi: 24.9
2. Wyoming: 24.7
3. New Mexico: 20.7
4. South Carolina: 19.5
5. Arkansas: 19.4
6. Alabama: 19.1
7. Tennessee: 18.6
8. Montana: 18.4
9. Kentucky: 18.0
10. Louisiana: 17.7

Mississippi’s 732 fatal crashes represented a 4% increase from 2022, when the state recorded 703. Wyoming’s total increased 7%, from 134 to 144.

New Mexico went in the opposite direction, with fatal crashes falling 6% from 466 in 2022 to 437 in 2023. South Carolina’s total declined 4%, while Arkansas saw a 6% decrease.

Massachusetts deemed safest

Massachusetts had the lowest fatal crash rate at 4.9 per 100,000 residents. New York followed at 5.7, while Rhode Island, New Jersey and Hawaii each recorded a rate of 6.5.

The analysis also found significant year-over-year changes in several states. Rhode Island recorded a 37% increase in fatal crashes from 2022 to 2023, followed by Idaho at 28% and Iowa at 12%.

Some states saw substantial declines. Alaska’s fatal crashes fell 27%, Hawaii’s dropped 20% and Massachusetts’ decreased 21%.

Dimitri Chernyak, president of Priority Tire, said rural roads may contribute to higher fatal crash rates because they can have higher speed limits, less maintenance and longer distances to hospitals.

Chernyak also advised drivers to wear seat belts, take breaks when tired and properly maintain their vehicles, including checking tire tread and pressure.

The rankings measure fatal crashes relative to populations, not the total number of crashes. That distinction is important because a state can record more fatal crashes overall but still have a lower rate when its larger population is taken into account.

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at ajthompson@usatodayco.com or on X @athompsonUSAT