Thanksgiving travel forecast becoming clearer
Expect more stories updating the holiday getaway forecast in the coming weeks for those planning their Thanksgiving travelers.
When it comes to traveling, Louisiana might not be the best place to do it alone.
Many travelers are choosing to embark on solo journeys these days, as taking trips by oneself fosters an unmatched sense of freedom.
However, that sense of freedom can disappear quite quickly in the face of safety concerns, like navigating unfamiliar territory or experiencing auto accidents.
In order to help travelers know which areas are the safest, or least safe, for solo travelers, Silver Law Firm evaluated states and administered each state a solo safety score.
Louisiana one of the least safe states for travelers
A new study from Silver Law Firm revealed the least and most safe states for solo travelers, and Louisiana is said to be the seventh most dangerous state for those traveling alone.
Through data from the FBI, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics and other sources, the law firm analyzed crime rates, emergency access and transport infrastructure in order to give each state a solo travel safety score out of 100.
Within the study, Louisiana received a solo safety score of 27.4, a crime rate score of 52.7, an emergency access score of 39.13, a transport infrastructure of 60.42 and a road safety score of 53.39.
New Mexico ranked as the most dangerous state for solo travelers, as the state’s vast rural areas mean for long stretches without cell service or gas stations. Additionally, high rates of vehicle accidents and property crime pose challenges for travelers, as the state’s violent crime rates are among the highest in the U.S.
The second most dangerous state for solo travelers is said to be Arkansas, with the state of Tennessee following as the third most dangerous state. While Tennessee has a few tourist hotspots, travelers are warned to be cautious outside of metro areas.
Massachusetts was found to be the safest state for solo travelers, as the state is said to have excellent road structure and a compact geography, as well as fewer stretches of isolated highway and reliable cell service, which means it’s easier to access help if needed.
Top 10 least safe states for travelers
- New Mexico
- Arkansas
- Tennessee
- Washington, D.C.
- Wyoming
- South Carolina
- Louisiana
- South Dakota
- Mississippi
- Montana
Top 10 safest states for travelers
- Massachusetts
- Rhode Island
- New Jersey
- New York
- Illinois
- Minnesota
- Pennsylvania
- Wisconsin
- Connecticut
- New Hampshire
Presley Bo Tyler is a reporter for the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
