Idaho ranked among top 10 deadliest states for rural drivers. Here’s why
Car accidents can be life-altering events, but you can rely on first responders to rush to the scene.
What happens to drivers on rural roads, when help is far out of reach?
According to a study done by Florida’s Blakeley Law Firm, Idaho ranks as one of the nation’s 10 deadliest states for rural driving.
Here’s where it ranked:
Why is Idaho one of deadliest states for rural driving?
Idaho placed No. 9 on Blakeley Law Firm’s list of the 10 most dangerous states for rural driving, based on data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis System.
From 2021 to 2023, Idaho saw 72 traffic-related deaths on rural roads and 37 traffic fatalities on urban roads, according to the study.
“The risk of dying on rural roads far exceeds that of urban streets, revealing stark safety gaps based on where people drive,” a Blakeley Law Firm spokesperson said in a Jan. 7 news release.
Which 10 states have most dangerous rural roads?
According to the Blakeley Law Firm study, these 10 states saw significantly more traffic deaths on rural roads than on urban roads:
- 1. Vermont
- 2. South Dakota
- 3. Montana
- 4. Wyoming
- 5. North Dakota
- 6. New Mexico
- 7. Nebraska
- 8. Alaska
- 9. Idaho
- 10. South Carolina
“The data highlights a troubling pattern: Rural roads in states like Vermont, South Dakota, and Montana remain far deadlier than urban ones,” the spokesperson said. “Factors such as higher speeds, limited medical access and fewer enforcement resources often contribute to these elevated risks.”
What is Idaho’s deadliest highway?
U.S. 55 is one of the most dangerous roads to travel in Idaho, averaging 8.2 traffic-related deaths a year, according to a 2024 study by The Barber Law Firm in Texas.
That’s nearly double the death toll on Idaho 75 through the Sawtooth Valley, which averaged 4.2 deaths annually from 2018 to 2022, the Idaho Statesman previously reported.
“Highway 55’s terrain is unforgiving,” Idaho State Police said in a June news release.. “With steep embankments, sharp curves, narrow shoulders and limited passing zones, there’s little room for error.”
According to the Idaho State Police, crashes on the highway, which passes through Nampa, Meridian and Eagle, can quickly become “deadly.”
“With long distances between towns, it can take time for first responders to arrive, which delays emergency care and blocks traffic for hours,” the release said.
Safety upgrades, tips for driving in rural Idaho
According to Blakeley Law Firm, states should invest in changes that “reduce fatal crash risks on rural roads.”
Recommended changes include:
- Better road lighting, signage and wider shoulders
- Increased enforcement
- Expanding access to emergency medical services
- Promoting public awareness campaigns
- Analyzing state-level crash data to prioritize safety upgrades
On social media, Idaho residents shared their advice for travelers driving on the state’s scenic routes.
“If any animal jumps out in front of you — go for the wall. Better to total your car than drowning,” Reddit user cabeachguy_94037 wrote in a March post about U.S. 12 in the Idaho subreddit. “Take your time and pay attention.”
“There are still many times that I find the drive scary, especially on Interstate 90,” Reddit user apuginthehand wrote in a September 2024 post. “It’s not just the snow, but you also need to take into account the mountain roads, which are winding, and in deep valleys, which means black ice.”
“Yes, you could get lucky, and the weather could be fine, and you might have clear, sunny roads — but I wouldn’t count on that and put yourself in a position where you need to drive somewhere, and the roads are dangerous,” another Reddit user wrote in a reply to the September post.
How did study determine worst states for rural driving?
To determine the worst states for rural driving, Blakeley Law Firm associates gathered data on each state’s urban and rural fatalities in car wrecks from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Totals for each category were averaged and compared to find the gap between urban and rural fatalities.
This story was originally published February 9, 2026 at 1:29 PM with the headline "Idaho ranked among top 10 deadliest states for rural drivers. Here’s why."
