Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Helena-West Helena, AR recorded 8 traffic deaths in 8 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 15.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 87/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 87% of ranked US cities (#8 of 35 in Arkansas, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas?
Helena-West Helena has a Road Danger Score of 87/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 8 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 8 people — 15.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Helena-West Helena ranks #8 out of 35 ranked cities in Arkansas and #273 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 87% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Helena-West Helena's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 38% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Helena-West Helena fell 80% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Helena-West Helena’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 8 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Helena-West Helena | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 1 | 12.5% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 1 | 12.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 3 | 37.5% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 2 | 25.0% | 49.8% |
Helena-West Helena Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas from NHTSA FARS. Single-year swings are normal in smaller cities; the Road Danger Score uses the full 5-year window.
| Year | Traffic Deaths |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2020 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Helena-West Helena recorded 8 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 8 traffic deaths — an average of 1.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Helena-West Helena?
Helena-West Helena has a Road Danger Score of 87/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 87% of ranked US cities. The city averages 15.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Helena-West Helena?
Of Helena-West Helena's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 13% involved a drinking driver, 13% involved speeding, 38% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 25% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Helena-West Helena each year?
An average of 1.6 people per year died in car accidents in Helena-West Helena across 2020–2024 (8 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Helena-West Helena more dangerous than in other Arkansas cities?
Helena-West Helena ranks #8 of 35 ranked Arkansas cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #273 of 2,153 nationally.