New Analysis Finds Southern States Carry Highest Child Traffic Death Rate

Federal crash data highlights where children face elevated risk on U.S. roadways.
Lafayette, Louisiana - January 27, 2026 - An analysis released by Anderson Blanda & Saltzman examines where children in the United States are at the highest risk of dying in traffic crashes. Using federal fatality data, the report identifies clear geographic disparities, with several Southern states showing significantly higher child traffic death rates than the national average.

Key Findings

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Montana had the highest child traffic death rate in the U.S., with a yearly rate of 7.48 per 100,000 children. This rate is more than double the national average.

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Southern states consistently rank among those with the highest child traffic fatality rates, including six of the top ten states.

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Rural states show elevated per capita child deaths, reflecting increased risk on high speed roadways with limited pedestrian infrastructure.

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Motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for children nationwide.

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States with fewer safety focused roadway features often experience worse child safety outcomes.

The findings point to structural and environmental factors that go beyond individual behavior. A senior research strategist involved in the analysis explained, "The data indicates that roadway design, enforcement, and geographic context are major drivers of risk. Children in rural and Southern states are often exposed to higher speeds and longer emergency response times."

Another analyst added that the disparities appear persistent. "This trend suggests that improvements in vehicle safety have not been matched by consistent investment in safer road environments, particularly in regions where children are more likely to travel on rural highways."

Why This Matters

Child traffic fatalities represent a critical public safety concern with long-term consequences for families and communities. Identifying where risks are concentrated can help policymakers, transportation agencies, and local governments prioritize safety interventions. Targeted infrastructure improvements, speed management, and child-focused traffic policies could significantly reduce preventable deaths in high risk regions.

Methodology

The analysis draws on publicly available federal traffic fatality data to compare child traffic death rates across U.S. states. The full data sources, methodology, and state -level findings are detailed in the original report here: https://www.andersonblanda.com/where-are-children-at-highest-risk-of-traffic-death/

About the Source

Anderson Blanda & Saltzman is a Lafayette, Louisiana based personal injury law firm representing individuals and families affected by serious motor vehicle accidents. The firm focuses on auto accident litigation and regularly examines traffic safety data to better understand risk patterns and roadway safety issues impacting the public.

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This release was published on openPR.