States › Rhode Island › 2003
Rhode Island in 2003
Deaths 104Fatal crashes 96Per 100,000 9.7US deaths 42,884
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 2003.
In 2003, 104 people died in 96 fatal crashes in Rhode Island, 9.7 deaths per 100,000 residents against 14.8 nationally.
The death toll rose 24% from 84 in 2002 to 104 in 2003.
Rhode Island accounted for 0.2% of the 42,884 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
50% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
31% of the crashes happened between midnight to 6am; Sunday was the most common day.
Compared with 2002 and the nation
| Measure | Rhode Island 2003 | Rhode Island 2002 | United States 2003 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 104 | 84 | 42,884 |
| Fatal crashes | 96 | 81 | 38,477 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 9.7 | 7.9 | 14.8 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 50% | 49% | 35% |
Counties in 2003
Every county with a fatal crash in 2003, 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 | 45 | 47 | 7.0 | 357 |
| Kent County | 18 | 21 | 12.2 | 98 |
| Washington County | 18 | 20 | 15.3 | 105 |
| Newport County | 10 | 10 | 12.0 | 30 |
| Bristol County | 5 | 6 | 12.0 | 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 2003?
104 people in 96 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2003 file, or 9.7 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in Rhode Island had the most crash deaths in 2003?
Providence County with 47 deaths in 45 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2003 compare with 2002 in Rhode Island?
104 deaths against 84 in 2002 (+24%). Nationally the 2003 total was 42,884.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2003 national file (accident table); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.