Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Little Rock, AR recorded 223 traffic deaths in 214 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 21.8 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 95/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 95% of ranked US cities (#2 of 35 in Arkansas, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Little Rock, Arkansas?
Little Rock has a Road Danger Score of 95/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 214 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 223 people — 21.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Little Rock ranks #2 out of 35 ranked cities in Arkansas and #99 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 95% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Little Rock's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 44% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Little Rock rose 29% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Little Rock’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 214 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Little Rock | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 55 | 25.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 23 | 10.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 95 | 44.4% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 145 | 67.8% | 49.8% |
Little Rock Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Little Rock, 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 | 45 |
| 2023 | 53 |
| 2022 | 49 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2020 | 45 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Little Rock, Arkansas?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Little Rock recorded 214 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 223 traffic deaths — an average of 44.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Little Rock?
Little Rock has a Road Danger Score of 95/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 95% of ranked US cities. The city averages 21.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Little Rock?
Of Little Rock's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 26% involved a drinking driver, 11% involved speeding, 44% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 68% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Little Rock each year?
An average of 44.6 people per year died in car accidents in Little Rock across 2020–2024 (223 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Little Rock more dangerous than in other Arkansas cities?
Little Rock ranks #2 of 35 ranked Arkansas cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #99 of 2,153 nationally.