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Another year, another study in which West Virginia is noted as being an unusually dangerous place for drivers. This time, the Mountain State ranked 7th most dangerous, in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data compiled by Agruss Law Firm. The study looked at the highest percentage of driver deaths compared with the state's population.
Mississippi was the deadliest. But West Virginia has 102.61 driver deaths per 100,000 people annually. That is 93% higher than the national average. We had 1,853 driver deaths over a 10-year period.
Agruss did not speculate on the reasons for the high number of fatalities here, though it did note most of the more dangerous states for drivers are in the South.
Anyone who has tried to teach a young person to drive in West Virginia knows the first challenge is our terrain, and then rough roads. There are only so many things that can be done to make winding mountain roads generously deemed "two-lane" safer. The problem worsens when one is on a road that seems to be bombarded by deer and other manner of wildlife.
But there is a reason West Virginians have a reputation for not always being particularly worried about rules. Speeding, driving distracted, driving under the influence, neglecting to wear a seat belt and ignoring signs such as "Do not pass," are among the problems we know create a greater danger on our roads.
We can do something about that, folks. Take safety seriously behind the wheel, and teach your kids the same. We've already got enough reasons to be vigilant on the roads here in the Mountain State.