Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Arkansas recorded 3,179 traffic deaths in 2,894 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 20.9 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #3 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths 2020–2024
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
Arkansas Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous Arkansas Cities to Drive In
All 35 ranked Arkansas cities by Road Danger Score (5-year traffic deaths per 100,000 residents, most dangerous first).
| # | City | Danger Score | Deaths (2020–2024) | Deaths per 100K/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Memphis | 97/100 | 30 | 25.4 |
| 2 | Little Rock | 95/100 | 223 | 21.8 |
| 3 | Magnolia | 95/100 | 11 | 20.7 |
| 4 | Hot Springs | 93/100 | 36 | 18.9 |
| 5 | Jacksonville | 91/100 | 26 | 18.0 |
| 6 | Texarkana | 91/100 | 26 | 17.8 |
| 7 | North Little Rock | 90/100 | 56 | 17.4 |
| 8 | Helena-West Helena | 87/100 | 8 | 15.9 |
| 9 | Searcy | 87/100 | 19 | 15.8 |
| 10 | Pine Bluff | 87/100 | 30 | 15.6 |
| 11 | Forrest City | 84/100 | 9 | 14.6 |
| 12 | Batesville | 82/100 | 8 | 13.8 |
| 13 | Fort Smith | 81/100 | 61 | 13.6 |
| 14 | Harrison | 81/100 | 9 | 13.3 |
| 15 | Blytheville | 79/100 | 8 | 13.0 |
| 16 | Siloam Springs | 75/100 | 12 | 12.0 |
| 17 | Springdale | 70/100 | 51 | 11.1 |
| 18 | Cabot | 69/100 | 15 | 10.9 |
| 19 | Marion | 66/100 | 7 | 10.3 |
| 20 | Jonesboro | 65/100 | 41 | 10.1 |
| 21 | Camden | 65/100 | 5 | 10.0 |
| 22 | Bryant | 64/100 | 11 | 9.9 |
| 23 | Bentonville | 64/100 | 30 | 9.8 |
| 24 | Paragould | 63/100 | 15 | 9.7 |
| 25 | Russellville | 61/100 | 14 | 9.5 |
| 26 | Benton | 57/100 | 17 | 8.9 |
| 27 | Lowell | 53/100 | 5 | 8.3 |
| 28 | Fayetteville | 49/100 | 40 | 7.7 |
| 29 | Conway | 48/100 | 27 | 7.6 |
| 30 | Mountain Home | 47/100 | 5 | 7.4 |
| 31 | Rogers | 41/100 | 25 | 6.6 |
| 32 | El Dorado | 37/100 | 5 | 6.0 |
| 33 | Sherwood | 37/100 | 10 | 6.0 |
| 34 | Centerton | 12/100 | 4 | 3.0 |
| 35 | Bella Vista | 12/100 | 5 | 3.0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in Arkansas?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 2,894 fatal car accidents in Arkansas from 2020 to 2024, killing 3,179 people — an average of 636 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are Arkansas roads compared to other states?
Arkansas averages 20.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #3 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in Arkansas?
Of Arkansas's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 27% involved a drinking driver, 22% involved speeding, and 43% happened in dark conditions.
Which Arkansas city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked Arkansas cities, West Memphis has the highest Road Danger Score (97/100) at 25.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.