- California ranks ninth nationwide for crashes caused by unlicensed drivers, with more than a quarter (25.92%) of all crashes linked to unlicensed motorists.
- New research has shown that thousands of fatal and non-fatal crashes across the U.S. involve unlicensed drivers.
- Texas records the highest number of pedestrian deaths linked to unlicensed vehicles, with 3,567 deaths and more than 18,000 crashes statewide.
A new study, completed by personal injury law firm Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, has revealed that Texas records the highest number of pedestrian deaths linked to unlicensed vehicles in the United States. The analysis looked at state-level crash data and found that hundreds or thousands of fatal and non-fatal incidents involve drivers without a valid license, raising concerns about enforcement and road safety nationwide.
Texas ranks first overall, with 18,165 total crashes, nearly a third (31.16%) caused by unlicensed drivers. The state also reported 3,567 pedestrian deaths, 19.54% of which involved unlicensed vehicles.
Hawaii comes next, with 152 pedestrian deaths, 12.50% involving unlicensed vehicles. The island state saw 498 total crashes, with 27.51% linked to unlicensed drivers.
North Carolina ranks third, with 1,186 pedestrian deaths, 13.41% involving unlicensed vehicles. Out of 7,157 total crashes, 26.99% were caused by unlicensed drivers.
Louisiana follows closely with 3,900 total crashes, 26.87% involving unlicensed drivers. The state recorded 791 pedestrian deaths, 14.66% involving unlicensed vehicles.
In Nevada, 13.77% of the state’s 385 pedestrian deaths involved unlicensed vehicles. Data also shows 1,636 total crashes, with 26.53% linked to unlicensed drivers.
Colorado saw 449 pedestrian deaths, 11.58% involving unlicensed vehicles. The state recorded 3,044 crashes in total, 26.41% of which were tied to unlicensed drivers.
Dennis Hernandez, founder attorney of Dennis Hernandez Injury Attorneys, commented on the findings:
“Unlicensed drivers represent a serious and often overlooked threat to public safety. When someone operates a vehicle without a valid license, it raises questions about their training, accountability, and insurance coverage.
“This data shows that thousands of pedestrians are losing their lives in preventable incidents involving unlicensed vehicles. These numbers highlight the urgent need for stronger enforcement and education around licensing laws. States like California, where a high percentage of crashes involve unlicensed drivers, are especially at risk. Addressing this issue is not just about penalties; it is about protecting every person who uses our roads.”
