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 from 2020 to 2024 — 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 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in West Memphis, Arkansas?
West Memphis has a Road Danger Score of 97/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, 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 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind West Memphis’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
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
How many fatal car accidents happen in West Memphis, Arkansas?
According to NHTSA FARS data, West Memphis recorded 29 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, 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 in 2020–2024, 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 across 2020–2024 (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.