Montana Ranks Worst in Nation for Teen Driving Safety

For many Montana families, getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage, a step toward independence that often carries both excitement and worry.

However, according to a new report from WalletHub, Montana ranked last among all 50 states when it comes to teen driving conditions, citing safety concerns, high costs, and weak driving laws.

Car crashes continue to be the primary cause of death for teenagers nationwide, with Montana being particularly notable for its unfavorable statistics. The state ranked 50th overall, 50th in safety, and 49th for driving laws.

Analysis shows that Montana has one of the highest rates of fatal accidents involving teen drivers per capita, landing just above Wyoming at the very bottom.

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo commented on the findings that, “Parents already shoulder heavy costs when their teen starts driving—insurance, gas, maintenance. In Montana, the added risk of tragedy is something no family should have to face.”

North Dakota didn’t fare much better, ranking 46th overall. The state tied for the highest rate of teen DUIs in the country and also ranked poorly for fatalities. The lowest-performing states, South Dakota, Idaho, and Wyoming.

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Nationwide, crashes involving drivers between 13 and 19 cost more than $40 billion each year in medical expenses and lost productivity. Those numbers don’t include rising insurance premiums or the economic ripple effects when families face life-altering accidents.