A new study by Nevada-based personal injury lawyers H&P Law analyzed fatal crash data for drivers aged 15–24 across all 50 U.S. states. Using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool (FIRST) between 2019 and 2023, the study calculated the average number of fatal youth accidents on weekends per 100,000 residents in that age group to rank states by risk.
South Carolina ranks third, reporting 32.0 deaths per 100,000 residents aged 15 to 24 — 83.3% more than the national average. The Palmetto State has a combined population of 699,999 young people aged 15 to 24, and between 2019 and 2023, it recorded an average of 112 fatal youth crashes per year. The number of weekend fatalities was highest in 2020 with 128 deaths, while the lowest count was in 2022 with 93.
Looking at the study, a spokesperson for H&P Law commented:
This analysis underscores a serious concern — some states, like South Carolina, are witnessing exceptionally high fatal crash rates among drivers aged 15 to 24, far surpassing national trends.
Speeding during weekends, often driven by thrill-seeking behavior or reduced caution, remains a major contributor to these fatal crashes.
Young drivers in the state face elevated risks due to inexperience, unsafe behaviors such as speeding or distracted driving, and inconsistent seatbelt use. When combined with late-night or weekend driving, these factors significantly increase their danger on the roads.
To address this, parents and guardians are encouraged to have open conversations about safe driving habits, support graduated licensing programs, and reinforce the importance of seatbelt use. Strengthening traffic law enforcement and expanding access to driver education can also play a key role in helping reduce these preventable tragedies.
Table for Extended Results:
The study was conducted by H&P Law, an experienced personal injury law firm dedicated to protecting clients' rights and maximizing claim value.
Methodology
The study examined fatal motor vehicle accident data involving individuals aged 15 to 24 across all 50 U.S. states from 2019 to 2023. Using figures from the CDAN Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the average number of fatal youth and young adult accidents per 100,000 residents in the 15–24 age group was calculated for each state. These rates were then compared to the national average of 17.4 per 100,000 to rank states with the highest incidence of fatal accidents among young adult drivers.
Data Source : https://cdan.dot.gov/query
Study By : http://www.courtroomproven.com/
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MORE INFO on drivers in general:
South Carolina Among the Worst 10 U.S. States for Driving on Weekends
The research by Personal Injury Lawyers from H&P Law analyzed U.S. Department of Transportation’s crash data from 2019 to 2023 across all 50 states. The average number of weekend crashes per 100,000 residents was calculated to identify states with the highest weekend crash rate.
South Carolina ranks third nationwide with 8 weekend crashes per 100,000 residents — a steep 66.7% higher than the national average of 4.8. The Palmetto State maintained a population of approximately 5,225,551.8 from 2019 to 2023 and experienced an annual average of 417.4 weekend crashes during that span.
Looking at the study, a spokesperson at H&P Law commented:
“This study highlights the concerning frequency of weekend crashes in South Carolina, where drivers face a notably elevated risk compared to the national average.”
“The state's consistently high weekend crash rate underscores the urgent need for targeted safety interventions. As weekend travel remains routine for many, addressing the root causes behind these incidents is essential.”
“To help reduce crash occurrences, South Carolina could benefit from enhanced traffic law enforcement, expanded public awareness campaigns, and investments in safer road infrastructure. Encouraging driver education focused on weekend travel behavior may also play a key role in improving safety outcomes.”
Table of Extended Results:
The study was conducted by H&P Law, an experienced personal injury law firm dedicated to protecting clients' rights and maximizing claim value.
Methodology
This research analyzed weekend motor vehicle crash data from 2019 to 2023 across all 50 U.S. states, using figures from the U.S. Department of Transportation. By comparing each state’s average population during this period with its corresponding average number of weekend crashes, the study calculated the rate of crashes per 100,000 residents. This allowed for a standardized comparison to determine which states had the highest weekend crash frequency relative to population size.
Data Source : https://cdan.dot.gov/query
Study By : www.courtroomproven.com
