According to a recent study by ConsumerAffairs, Memphis, Tennessee, has the highest rate of deadly car accidents in the United States. With 33.33 fatal crashes per 100,000 people, Memphis's rate is nearly triple the national average. The study analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System and Crash Report Sampling System.
Memphis, Tennessee, has emerged as the most dangerous city in the United States for fatal car accidents, according to a recent study conducted by ConsumerAffairs. The study, which analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), found that Memphis had the highest rate of deadly car crashes per 100,000 people in 2022, with 33.33 fatal crashes per 100,000. This rate is nearly triple the national average of 11.77 per 100,000 people.
The ConsumerAffairs report ranked 195 U.S. cities based on the number of fatal car crashes per 100,000 people. Memphis topped the list, followed by Daytona Beach, Florida; Ocala, Florida; Macon, Georgia; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Albany, Georgia; Jackson, Mississippi; Birmingham, Alabama; Tucson, Arizona; and St. Louis, Missouri.
Several factors may be contributing to Memphis's high rate of fatal car accidents. The city has a large population of uninsured drivers, with an estimated 20% of drivers lacking insurance. Additionally, Memphis has a high number of older vehicles on the road, which are more likely to be involved in fatal crashes.
To improve safety and reduce the number of fatal car accidents in Memphis, several steps can be taken. These include increasing traffic enforcement, improving road infrastructure, and educating drivers about safe driving practices. Additionally, expanding public transportation options can help reduce the number of cars on the road and potentially lower the risk of accidents.
While Memphis had the highest rate of fatal crashes per 100,000, it was sixth for the total number of deadly crashes for 2022. Los Angeles topped that list with 341 fatal crashes, followed by Houston, Phoenix, New York City, and Dallas.
On the other end of the spectrum, Reading, Pennsylvania, was determined to be the city with the lowest rate of car crashes in 2022, with only 1.05 accidents per 100,000 people. New York City also ranked low for crashes per 100,000, despite having the fourth highest number of deadly accidents in the nation, due to its large population and high public transportation usage.
ConsumerAffairs recommends that drivers in Memphis and other cities with a high rate of fatal car accidents take steps to protect themselves and their passengers. These include:
* Getting good car insurance and an auto warranty
* Maintaining their vehicles in good condition
* Practicing safe driving habits, such as obeying speed limits and avoiding distractions
* Being aware of their surroundings and other drivers on the road
* Reporting any hazardous or reckless driving to the authorities
By taking these steps, drivers can help reduce their risk of being involved in a fatal car accident.
