Tennessee in 2009
Deaths 986Fatal crashes 915Per 100,000 15.6US deaths 33,883
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 2009.
In 2009, 986 people died in 915 fatal crashes in Tennessee, 15.6 deaths per 100,000 residents against 11.0 nationally.
The death toll fell 5% from 1,043 in 2008 to 986 in 2009.
Tennessee accounted for 2.9% of the 33,883 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
28.5% 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; Friday was the most common day.
Compared with 2008 and the nation
| Measure | Tennessee 2009 | Tennessee 2008 | United States 2009 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 986 | 1,043 | 33,883 |
| Fatal crashes | 915 | 958 | 30,862 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 15.6 | 16.7 | 11.0 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 29% | 26% | 33% |
Counties in 2009
Every county with a fatal crash in 2009, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 92 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 2009?
986 people in 915 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2009 file, or 15.6 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in Tennessee had the most crash deaths in 2009?
Shelby County with 112 deaths in 102 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2009 compare with 2008 in Tennessee?
986 deaths against 1,043 in 2008 (+-5%). Nationally the 2009 total was 33,883.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2009 national file (accident table); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.