New Study Finds Safest States for Drivers This Summer

MoneyGeek analysis shows 100 days between Memorial Day and Labor Day are becoming less deadly.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 5:59pm

An abstract, impressionistic scene of a summer road trip, with blurred shapes and colors representing the open road, lush landscapes, and the freedom of the open highway.A new study identifies the safest states for drivers to explore this summer, providing valuable guidance for road trip planning.Panama City Today

A new study from MoneyGeek has identified the safest states for drivers during the 100-day period between Memorial Day and Labor Day, traditionally the deadliest time on the roads. The analysis looked at factors like traffic fatalities, road infrastructure, and driver behavior to determine which states offer the safest summer driving conditions.

Why it matters

With millions of Americans hitting the roads for summer travel, understanding which states have the safest driving environments is crucial information for both residents and visitors. This data can help drivers make informed decisions about their routes and travel plans to minimize risk.

The details

The MoneyGeek study examined a range of metrics to assess road safety, including traffic fatalities, road infrastructure quality, and driver behavior factors like speeding, drunk driving, and seatbelt usage. States were then ranked based on an overall safety score. The top five safest states for summer driving were New Hampshire, Minnesota, Vermont, Iowa, and Maine.

  • The study analyzed data from the 100-day period between Memorial Day and Labor Day in 2025.

The players

MoneyGeek

A personal finance technology company that conducts research and analysis on consumer financial topics.

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What’s next

MoneyGeek plans to release updated road safety rankings for the 2026 summer driving season.

The takeaway

This study provides valuable insights for drivers planning summer road trips, highlighting the states that offer the safest driving conditions to help ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.