Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Tennessee recorded 6,377 traffic deaths in 5,874 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 18.1 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #9 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths 2020–2024
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 (2020–2024) | 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 from 2020 to 2024, 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 in 2020–2024, 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.