Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Tennessee recorded 6,377 traffic deaths in 5,874 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 18.1 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #9 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths (5-Yr Total)
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
Tennessee Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous Tennessee Cities to Drive In
All 48 ranked Tennessee 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 | Memphis | 99/100 | 1,120 | 36.5 |
| 2 | Clinton | 99/100 | 19 | 36.4 |
| 3 | Goodlettsville | 98/100 | 27 | 31.2 |
| 4 | Crossville | 98/100 | 20 | 31.1 |
| 5 | Knoxville | 96/100 | 236 | 23.5 |
| 6 | Morristown | 96/100 | 38 | 23.3 |
| 7 | Greeneville | 96/100 | 18 | 22.7 |
| 8 | Mcminnville | 94/100 | 14 | 20.3 |
| 9 | Sevierville | 94/100 | 18 | 19.9 |
| 10 | Lawrenceburg | 94/100 | 12 | 19.8 |
| 11 | Cleveland | 93/100 | 47 | 19.0 |
| 12 | Portland | 93/100 | 13 | 19.0 |
| 13 | Soddy Daisy | 91/100 | 12 | 18.1 |
| 14 | Kingsport | 90/100 | 49 | 17.2 |
| 15 | Millington | 90/100 | 10 | 17.0 |
| 16 | Manchester | 88/100 | 11 | 16.1 |
| 17 | Chattanooga | 88/100 | 152 | 16.1 |
| 18 | Nashville Metro | 87/100 | 544 | 15.6 |
| 19 | Dyersburg | 86/100 | 12 | 15.1 |
| 20 | Lebanon | 84/100 | 37 | 14.3 |
| 21 | Springfield | 83/100 | 14 | 14.2 |
| 22 | Dickson | 83/100 | 12 | 14.1 |
| 23 | Jackson | 83/100 | 48 | 14.1 |
| 24 | Athens | 81/100 | 10 | 13.4 |
| 25 | Fairview | 81/100 | 7 | 13.3 |
| 26 | Cookeville | 79/100 | 24 | 12.9 |
| 27 | Clarksville | 78/100 | 118 | 12.7 |
| 28 | Maryville | 76/100 | 20 | 12.3 |
| 29 | Bristol | 72/100 | 16 | 11.4 |
| 30 | Columbia | 71/100 | 28 | 11.3 |
| 31 | Tullahoma | 71/100 | 12 | 11.3 |
| 32 | Mount Juliet | 69/100 | 24 | 10.9 |
| 33 | Lenoir City | 63/100 | 6 | 9.7 |
| 34 | Johnson City | 59/100 | 34 | 9.2 |
| 35 | Gallatin | 59/100 | 24 | 9.2 |
| 36 | Lewisburg | 58/100 | 6 | 9.0 |
| 37 | Oak Ridge | 57/100 | 15 | 8.8 |
| 38 | Smyrna | 50/100 | 23 | 7.8 |
| 39 | East Ridge | 46/100 | 8 | 7.3 |
| 40 | Murfreesboro | 44/100 | 60 | 7.1 |
| 41 | Brentwood | 34/100 | 13 | 5.8 |
| 42 | Spring Hill | 33/100 | 17 | 5.7 |
| 43 | Hendersonville | 23/100 | 15 | 4.7 |
| 44 | Shelbyville | 23/100 | 6 | 4.7 |
| 45 | Franklin | 20/100 | 19 | 4.2 |
| 46 | Germantown | 19/100 | 8 | 4.0 |
| 47 | Collierville | 13/100 | 8 | 3.1 |
| 48 | Bartlett | 7/100 | 6 | 2.2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in Tennessee?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 5,874 fatal car accidents in Tennessee over the most recent five-year period, killing 6,377 people — an average of 1,275 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are Tennessee roads compared to other states?
Tennessee averages 18.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #9 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in Tennessee?
Of Tennessee's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 25% involved a drinking driver, 17% involved speeding, and 47% happened in dark conditions.
Which Tennessee city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked Tennessee cities, Memphis has the highest Road Danger Score (99/100) at 36.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.