States › Rhode Island › 2023
Rhode Island in 2023
Deaths 71Fatal crashes 67Per 100,000 6.4US deaths 41,025
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 2023.
In 2023, 71 people died in 67 fatal crashes in Rhode Island, 6.4 deaths per 100,000 residents against 12.2 nationally.
The death toll rose 37% from 52 in 2022 to 71 in 2023.
Rhode Island accounted for 0.2% of the 41,025 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
31.3% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
By FHWA road function class, the largest share was on other principal arterial roads (38%).
39% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Sunday was the most common day.
Compared with 2022 and the nation
| Measure | Rhode Island 2023 | Rhode Island 2022 | United States 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 71 | 52 | 41,025 |
| Fatal crashes | 67 | 51 | 37,769 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 6.4 | 4.7 | 12.2 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 31% | 43% | 26% |
Counties in 2023
Every county with a fatal crash in 2023, 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 | 48 | 52 | 7.7 | 357 |
| Kent County | 7 | 7 | 4.1 | 98 |
| Washington County | 7 | 7 | 5.4 | 105 |
| Newport County | 4 | 4 | 4.8 | 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
Road type
Questions and answers
How many people died in crashes in Rhode Island in 2023?
71 people in 67 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2023 file, or 6.4 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in Rhode Island had the most crash deaths in 2023?
Providence County with 52 deaths in 48 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2023 compare with 2022 in Rhode Island?
71 deaths against 52 in 2022 (+37%). Nationally the 2023 total was 41,025.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2023 national file (accident table, vehicle and person tables); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.