Tennessee in 2016
Deaths 1,037Fatal crashes 962Per 100,000 15.6US deaths 37,806
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 2016.
In 2016, 1,037 people died in 962 fatal crashes in Tennessee, 15.6 deaths per 100,000 residents against 11.7 nationally.
The death toll rose 8% from 962 in 2015 to 1,037 in 2016.
Tennessee accounted for 2.7% of the 37,806 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
24% 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 (26%).
33% of the crashes happened between noon to 6pm; Saturday was the most common day.
Compared with 2015 and the nation
| Measure | Tennessee 2016 | Tennessee 2015 | United States 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 1,037 | 962 | 37,806 |
| Fatal crashes | 962 | 888 | 34,748 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 15.6 | 14.6 | 11.7 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 24% | 30% | 27% |
Counties in 2016
Every county with a fatal crash in 2016, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 90 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
Road type
Questions and answers
How many people died in crashes in Tennessee in 2016?
1,037 people in 962 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2016 file, or 15.6 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in Tennessee had the most crash deaths in 2016?
Shelby County with 132 deaths in 128 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2016 compare with 2015 in Tennessee?
1,037 deaths against 962 in 2015 (+8%). Nationally the 2016 total was 37,806.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2016 national file (accident table, vehicle and person tables); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.