Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Arkansas recorded 3,179 traffic deaths in 2,894 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 20.9 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #3 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths (5-Yr Total)
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 (5-Yr) | 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 over the most recent five-year period, 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 over the most recent five-year period, 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.