Tennessee in 1996
Deaths 1,239Fatal crashes 1,120Per 100,000 —US deaths 42,065
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 1996.
In 1996, 1,239 people died in 1,120 fatal crashes in Tennessee.
The death toll was about level between 1995 (1,259) and 1996 (1,239).
Tennessee accounted for 2.9% of the 42,065 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
34.1% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
31% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 1995 and the nation
| Measure | Tennessee 1996 | Tennessee 1995 | United States 1996 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 1,239 | 1,259 | 42,065 |
| Fatal crashes | 1,120 | 1,130 | 37,494 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | — | — | — |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 34% | 36% | 32% |
Counties in 1996
Every county with a fatal crash in 1996, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 94 counties listed.
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 Tennessee in 1996?
1,239 people in 1,120 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 1996 file.
Which county in Tennessee had the most crash deaths in 1996?
Shelby County with 159 deaths in 145 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 1996 compare with 1995 in Tennessee?
1,239 deaths against 1,259 in 1995 (+-2%). Nationally the 1996 total was 42,065.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 1996 national file (accident table); US Census Bureau population estimates (no county estimates before 2000 are used, so no rate is shown for this year). Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.