Tennessee in 2002
Deaths 1,177Fatal crashes 1,058Per 100,000 20.3US 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, 1,177 people died in 1,058 fatal crashes in Tennessee, 20.3 deaths per 100,000 residents against 15.0 nationally.
The death toll fell 6% from 1,251 in 2001 to 1,177 in 2002.
Tennessee accounted for 2.7% of the 43,005 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
38.6% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
31% of the crashes happened between noon to 6pm; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 2001 and the nation
| Measure | Tennessee 2002 | Tennessee 2001 | United States 2002 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 1,177 | 1,251 | 43,005 |
| Fatal crashes | 1,058 | 1,126 | 38,491 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 20.3 | 21.8 | 15.0 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 39% | 27% | 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. 91 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 2002?
1,177 people in 1,058 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2002 file, or 20.3 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in Tennessee had the most crash deaths in 2002?
Shelby County with 109 deaths in 93 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2002 compare with 2001 in Tennessee?
1,177 deaths against 1,251 in 2001 (+-6%). 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.