The share of fatal crashes involving teen drivers is higher in South Dakota than most other states

The share of fatal crashes involving a teen driver is higher in South Dakota than in almost any other state.

The state has the ninth-highest percentage of deadly crashes involving a teen driver at 16.4%, according to a recent analysis of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data by Bumper, a vehicle history report website.

The analysis found that, nationwide, the number of people who died in crashes involving teen drivers has increased by 25% since 2013. In 2023, a total of 5,588 people died in crashes involving a teen driver, including passengers, cyclists, pedestrians and other drivers.

It also determined that while teen drivers account for only 5.1% of all licensed drivers in the country, they represent 8.9% of drivers in fatal crashes.

South Dakota had a total of 146 traffic crash fatalities in 2024, up from 140 in 2023 and 137 in 2022, according to the state Department of Public Safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 39,345 people died in traffic crashes nationwide in 2024, about a 4% decrease from 2023.

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What states had the highest teen involvement in fatal crashes?

These states had the highest percentage of crash deaths involving a teen driver.

1. Kansas, 18.9%
2. Utah, 17.9%
3. Idaho, 17.5%
4. Montana, 17.3%
5. Wisconsin, 17%
6. Missouri, 16.9%
7. Indiana, 16.8%
8. Colorado, 16.5%
9. South Dakota, 16.4%
10. New Mexico, 15.8%

What states had the lowest teen involvement in fatal crashes?

These states had the lowest percentage of crash deaths involving a teen driver.

1. District of Columbia, 4.5%
2. New Hampshire, 6.2%
3. Hawaii, 6.5%
4. Wyoming, 8.3%
5. North Dakota, 8.5%
6. Vermont, 8.7%
7. Connecticut, 10.10%
8. Oregon, 10.4%
9. Maine, 10.4%
10. Maryland, 10.5%