A new analysis has named New Mexico the most hazardous state in the country for delivery and freight truck drivers during winter.
The findings come from a study by J & Y Law, which reviewed data from the Department of Transportation covering fatal winter crashes involving large trucks over the last decade. Researchers compared those crash numbers with each state’s population of large truck drivers, based on figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Using that data, they calculated the number of deadly winter crashes per 100,000 drivers to determine where truckers face the greatest risk.
New Mexico Leads the List
New Mexico ranked as the most dangerous state for truckers on winter roads, with a fatal crash rate of 122.1 per 100,000 drivers. That’s more than twice the national average of 55.2. The state has a smaller trucking workforce — just 11,380 drivers — yet still recorded an average of 13.9 deadly winter crashes per year between 2013 and 2022.
Florida’s Surprising Placement
One unexpected state on the list is Florida, which came in sixth. Even with a warmer climate, the crash rate there reaches 78.2 per 100,000 drivers — about 42% higher than the national average. With nearly 102,000 large truck drivers, the state saw an average of 79.7 fatal winter crashes over the same timeframe.
States with the Highest Winter Risk for Truck Drivers
According to the study, these are the 10 most dangerous states for large truck drivers during the winter season:
- New Mexico – 122.1 crashes per 100,000 drivers
- Oklahoma – 112.1 crashes per 100,000 drivers
- Montana – 99.4 crashes per 100,000 drivers
- Wyoming – 88.0 crashes per 100,000 drivers
- West Virginia – 82.2 crashes per 100,000 drivers
- Florida – 78.2 crashes per 100,000 drivers
- Kansas – 76.8 crashes per 100,000 drivers
- Mississippi – 76.7 crashes per 100,000 drivers
- Louisiana – 76.1 crashes per 100,000 drivers
- Kentucky – 75.8 crashes per 100,000 drivers
A spokesperson from J & Y Law emphasized the impact of winter hazards, stating, “The study shows where truck drivers face the most threat in winter. Icy roads and poor visibility not only put lives at risk but also disrupt critical supply chains during the festive season. Truck drivers must take road safety measures, like taking a break when visibility gets bad. They should check the weather just before setting off, to avoid any unforeseen dangers.”
Image / Source: Truckers News
