A new study reveals the U.S. states where the gender gap in driver fatalities is smallest — and where women’s fatal crash rates come closest to those of men.
According to research conducted by The Texas Law Dog, a Texas-based personal injury law firm, Alabama has the tenth-smallest male-to-female fatality ratio of any state. Yet even in Alabama, men were still more than three times more likely than women to die in a car crash — with 25.68 fatalities per 100,000 licensed male drivers, compared to 7.99 per 100,000 female drivers.
The study analyzed five years of data (2018–2022) from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alongside licensing statistics from the Federal Highway Administration. It ranked each state by the male-to-female driver fatality ratio, offering insights into where the gender divide is narrowest.
Top 10 States Where Women’s Fatal Crash Rates Most Closely Match Men’s
| Rank | State | Male-to-Female Fatality Ratio |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | 2.79 |
| 2 | Idaho | 2.93 |
| 3 | New Hampshire | 2.97 |
| 4 | Oklahoma | 3.00 |
| 5 | Montana | 3.06 |
| 6 | Mississippi | 3.12 |
| 7 | Delaware | 3.12 |
| 8 | Kansas | 3.13 |
| 9 | Nebraska | 3.18 |
| 10 | Alabama | 3.21 |
Even in states with narrower gaps, men remain statistically more vulnerable to fatal crashes — often due to factors like higher average mileage, riskier driving behavior, or less frequent seatbelt use.
Key State Highlights
Alaska ranks first, with a male-to-female ratio of just 2.79. Between 2018 and 2022, Alaska recorded 11.80 male fatalities and 4.23 female fatalities per 100,000 licensed drivers annually — the smallest disparity in the country.
Idaho follows closely, with men averaging 19.08 fatalities per 100,000 drivers compared to 6.52 for women, resulting in a ratio of 2.93.
New Hampshire, Oklahoma, and Montana round out the top five, with all three states reporting fatality ratios close to 3.0 — meaning male drivers are around three times more likely than female drivers to be killed in a crash.
Interestingly, Mississippi and Delaware tie with a 3.12 ratio, despite having very different overall crash fatality levels. Mississippi, for instance, recorded one of the highest male driver fatality rates in the nation, at 36.14 per 100,000, compared to 11.59 for females.
Texas Ranks 30th
Home to The Texas Law Dog, Texas ranked 30th on the list, with a male-to-female driver fatality ratio of 3.62. The state recorded 21.70 fatalities per 100,000 male drivers, and 6.00 per 100,000 female drivers.
A spokesperson for The Texas Law Dog commented:“These statistics shed light on the persistent gender disparities in road fatalities. While men continue to face higher risks, understanding the states where the gap is narrower can help inform more targeted safety initiatives. It’s crucial to consider risk behaviors, seatbelt usage, and exposure when addressing these patterns.”
Why the Gap Still Exists
According to national traffic safety research, men are more likely to engage in speeding, drive under the influence, and drive longer distances — all contributing to higher fatality rates. While some states demonstrate smaller gaps, the national trend still shows men being 3 to 4 times more likely to die in car crashes than women.
This study brings attention to the need for more tailored safety campaigns, driver education programs, and infrastructure improvements that consider demographic differences in risk and behavior.
Methodology
The Texas Law Dog analyzed data from the NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) from 2018 to 2022. Fatalities were calculated per 100,000 licensed drivers by sex, using driver license data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). States were ranked by their male-to-female fatality ratio, revealing where the gender divide in fatal crashes was narrowest.
