Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, West Memphis, AR recorded 30 traffic deaths in 29 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 25.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 97/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 97% of ranked US cities (#1 of 35 in Arkansas, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in West Memphis, Arkansas?
West Memphis has a Road Danger Score of 97/100 (High Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 29 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 30 people — 25.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
West Memphis ranks #1 out of 35 ranked cities in Arkansas and #56 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 97% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in West Memphis's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 69% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in West Memphis rose 100% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind West Memphis’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 29 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | West Memphis | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 8 | 27.6% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 3 | 10.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 11 | 37.9% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 20 | 69.0% | 49.8% |
West Memphis Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in West Memphis, 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 | 5 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for West Memphis, Arkansas?
According to NHTSA FARS data, West Memphis recorded 29 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 30 traffic deaths — an average of 6.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in West Memphis?
West Memphis has a Road Danger Score of 97/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 97% of ranked US cities. The city averages 25.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in West Memphis?
Of West Memphis's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 28% involved a drinking driver, 10% involved speeding, 38% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 69% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in West Memphis each year?
An average of 6.0 people per year died in car accidents in West Memphis over the most recent five-year period (30 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in West Memphis more dangerous than in other Arkansas cities?
West Memphis ranks #1 of 35 ranked Arkansas cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #56 of 2,153 nationally.