Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Kentucky recorded 3,851 traffic deaths in 3,566 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 17.1 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #11 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths (5-Yr Total)
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
Kentucky Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous Kentucky Cities to Drive In
All 31 ranked Kentucky 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 | Somerset | 99/100 | 23 | 37.2 |
| 2 | Shively | 99/100 | 27 | 35.1 |
| 3 | Shepherdsville | 98/100 | 22 | 29.6 |
| 4 | Elizabethtown | 94/100 | 33 | 19.7 |
| 5 | Louisville Metro | 89/100 | 562 | 16.6 |
| 6 | Paducah | 87/100 | 21 | 15.8 |
| 7 | Radcliff | 86/100 | 17 | 15.0 |
| 8 | Campbellsville | 82/100 | 8 | 13.6 |
| 9 | Danville | 78/100 | 11 | 12.6 |
| 10 | Berea | 77/100 | 10 | 12.4 |
| 11 | Henderson | 76/100 | 17 | 12.3 |
| 12 | Shelbyville | 76/100 | 11 | 12.3 |
| 13 | Franklin | 72/100 | 6 | 11.4 |
| 14 | Owensboro | 71/100 | 34 | 11.3 |
| 15 | Nicholasville | 69/100 | 18 | 11.0 |
| 16 | Bowling Green | 67/100 | 40 | 10.3 |
| 17 | Bardstown | 65/100 | 7 | 10.1 |
| 18 | Georgetown | 65/100 | 20 | 10.0 |
| 19 | Murray | 64/100 | 9 | 9.9 |
| 20 | Hopkinsville | 54/100 | 13 | 8.5 |
| 21 | Winchester | 53/100 | 8 | 8.3 |
| 22 | Newport | 46/100 | 5 | 7.3 |
| 23 | Richmond | 43/100 | 13 | 6.8 |
| 24 | Frankfort | 40/100 | 9 | 6.4 |
| 25 | Covington | 39/100 | 13 | 6.3 |
| 26 | Florence | 37/100 | 10 | 6.0 |
| 27 | Ashland | 33/100 | 6 | 5.7 |
| 28 | Jeffersontown | 32/100 | 8 | 5.6 |
| 29 | Erlanger | 26/100 | 5 | 5.0 |
| 30 | Versailles | 16/100 | 5 | 3.6 |
| 31 | Independence | 2/100 | 1 | 0.7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in Kentucky?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 3,566 fatal car accidents in Kentucky over the most recent five-year period, killing 3,851 people — an average of 770 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are Kentucky roads compared to other states?
Kentucky averages 17.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #11 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in Kentucky?
Of Kentucky's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 26% involved a drinking driver, 16% involved speeding, and 42% happened in dark conditions.
Which Kentucky city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked Kentucky cities, Somerset has the highest Road Danger Score (99/100) at 37.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.