States › Rhode Island › 2002
Rhode Island in 2002
Deaths 84Fatal crashes 81Per 100,000 7.9US deaths 43,005
FARS data are based on police crash reports and other sources; the drunk-driving measure is based on the highest BAC of any driver in the crash. Final FARS file for 2002.
In 2002, 84 people died in 81 fatal crashes in Rhode Island, 7.9 deaths per 100,000 residents against 15.0 nationally.
The death toll was about level between 2001 (81) and 2002 (84).
Rhode Island accounted for 0.2% of the 43,005 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
49.4% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
33% of the crashes happened between midnight to 6am; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 2001 and the nation
| Measure | Rhode Island 2002 | Rhode Island 2001 | United States 2002 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 84 | 81 | 43,005 |
| Fatal crashes | 81 | 78 | 38,491 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 7.9 | 7.7 | 15.0 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 49% | 55% | 36% |
Counties in 2002
Every county with a fatal crash in 2002, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 5 counties listed.
| County | Fatal crashes | Deaths | Per 100,000 | Deaths 2015–2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Providence County | 47 | 49 | 7.2 | 357 |
| Washington County | 13 | 13 | 10.0 | 105 |
| Kent County | 12 | 13 | 7.5 | 98 |
| Newport County | 7 | 7 | 8.4 | 30 |
| Bristol County | 1–2 | 1–2 | — | 10 |
Per 100,000 uses the 2024 population estimate for every year, so early-year rates are understated where a county has grown.
Hour of day
Weekday
Questions and answers
How many people died in crashes in Rhode Island in 2002?
84 people in 81 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2002 file, or 7.9 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in Rhode Island had the most crash deaths in 2002?
Providence County with 49 deaths in 47 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2002 compare with 2001 in Rhode Island?
84 deaths against 81 in 2001 (+4%). Nationally the 2002 total was 43,005.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2002 national file (accident table); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.