In a recent comprehensive analysis of motor vehicle crash data, Maine has emerged as the state with the highest rate of fatal car crashes involving fixed objects. This critical insight, derived from data by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), was brought to light by Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Anidjar & Levine.
The study, spanning from 2017 to 2021, reveals that out of 485 fatal crashes in Maine, a staggering 64.3% (312) involved a fixed object. Trees, alarmingly, were the most common fixed object in these deadly incidents, accounting for 145 cases.
Rhode Island follows closely, with 63.78% of its 223 fatal crashes involving a fixed object. Here, curbs proved to be the deadliest, responsible for 31 of the total collisions.
Vermont ranks third, where 63.76% of its 196 fatal crashes involved a fixed object. Guardrails, after trees, were identified as the most lethal fixed object in the state, involved in 20 of the fatal crashes.
Virginia also shows concerning statistics, with 1,776 out of 2,837 fatal crashes (62.6%) involving a fixed object. In these incidents, standing trees were the leading cause, accounting for 559 fatal crashes – the highest rate involving trees among the states analyzed.
New Hampshire rounds out the top five, with 62.5% of its 368 fatal crashes involving a fixed object. Guardrails, following trees, were the second most deadly fixed object, contributing to 35 of the fatal crashes in the state.
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This study underscores the critical need for heightened awareness and caution among drivers, especially around known obstacles that can lead to severe collisions. The data not only highlights the risks posed by fixed objects like trees, curbs, and guardrails but also serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety measures.
As the analysis reveals, the danger of crashing into fixed objects is a significant concern in several U.S. states. It calls for concerted efforts from both authorities and drivers to mitigate these risks and enhance safety on the roads.
The ten states with the highest percentage of crashes involving fixed objects
| Rank | State | Percentage of fatal crashes involving a fixed object |
| 1 | Maine | 64.3% |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 62.78% |
| 3 | Vermont | 62.76% |
| 4 | Virginia | 62.6% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 62.5% |
| 6 | West Virginia | 62.3% |
| 7 | Kentucky | 61.5% |
| 8 | Alabama | 60.4% |
| 9 | Ohio | 59.5% |
| 10 | Tennessee | 59% |
On the other end of the scale, New Mexico is the state where people are least likely to crash into a fixed object, with 27.4% of all deadly car crashes involving a fixed object – the lowest rate in the US.
Alaska is the next state with the fewest fatal incidents involving a fixed object, with 31.5% of all deadly crashes involving a fixed object.
North Dakota is the third least-affected state, with 33% of all fatal collisions involving a fixed object.
Out of the 116,469 nationwide fatal crashes between 2017-2021, 55,274 of them involved a fixed object – equating to almost half (47%). Standing trees are the deadliest fixed objects to crash into, accounting for 12,472 of all fatal crashes.
The second deadliest fixed object involved in nationwide fatal collisions was reported to be curbs, accounting for 6,422 of the total fatal crashes. Curb crashes can result from poor visibility at intersections, damaging the structure of the vehicle frame.
Speaking on the findings, a Anidjar & Levine spokesperson said: “It’s essential to recognise the states that have the highest fatality rates in motor vehicle crashes and, more specifically, fatal collisions which involve fixed objects, to identify areas which may require legislation to improve visibility or cautionary signs.
“However, while the data highlights specific problem areas, it’s key that drivers in all states – not just those in the ranking – drive carefully and stay particularly wary around fixed objects, such as trees, curbs and utility poles. This is especially important when driving in busy periods or environments, like rush hour or in a packed parking lot.”
If you use these insights, please link credit to https://www.anidjarlevine.com/, as they are responsible for the analysis.
| Rank | State | Percentage of fatal crashes involving a fixed object |
| 1 | Maine | 64.3% |
| 2 | Rhode Island | 62.78% |
| 3 | Vermont | 62.76% |
| 4 | Virginia | 62.6% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 62.5% |
| 6 | West Virginia | 62.3% |
| 7 | Kentucky | 61.5% |
| 8 | Alabama | 60.4% |
| 9 | Ohio | 59.5% |
| 10 | Tennessee | 59% |
| 11 | North Carolina | 58.1% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 57.9% |
| 13 | Mississippi | 57.7% |
| 14 | Arkansas | 57.2% |
| 15 | Missouri | 57.1% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 56.3% |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | 54.8% |
| 18 | South Carolina | 54% |
| 19 | Indiana | 53.7% |
| 20 | Wisconsin | 53.1% |
| 21 | Georgia | 51.5% |
| 22 | Kansas | 50.5% |
| 23 | Louisiana | 50.4% |
| 24 | Iowa | 49.6% |
| 25 | Illinois | 49.2% |
| 26 | Maryland | 48.6% |
| 27 | Oklahoma | 47.8% |
| 28 | Nebraska | 47.6% |
| 29 | Oregon | 47.2% |
| 30 | Montana | 45.8% |
| 31 | Michigan | 45.3% |
| 32 | Delaware | 44.1% |
| 33 | Colorado | 43.9% |
| 34 | Texas | 43.2% |
| 35 | Minnesota | 43% |
| 36 | Idaho | 42.2% |
| 37 | New York | 42% |
| 38 | Washington | 41.6% |
| 39 | Hawaii | 41.1% |
| 40 | New Jersey | 39.5% |
| 41 | Utah | 39.3% |
| 42 | California | 37.7% |
| 43 | Florida | 36.5% |
| 44 | South Dakota | 36% |
| 45 | Wyoming | 34.8% |
| 46 | Nevada | 33.2% |
| 47 | Arizona | 33.03% |
| 48 | North Dakota | 32.99% |
| 49 | Alaska | 31.5% |
| 50 | New Mexico | 27.4% |
