Tennessee in 2019
Deaths 1,136Fatal crashes 1,041Per 100,000 16.6US deaths 36,355
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 2019.
In 2019, 1,136 people died in 1,041 fatal crashes in Tennessee, 16.6 deaths per 100,000 residents against 11.1 nationally.
The death toll rose 9% from 1,040 in 2018 to 1,136 in 2019.
Tennessee accounted for 3.1% of the 36,355 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
24.5% 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 (30%).
35% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Sunday was the most common day.
Compared with 2018 and the nation
| Measure | Tennessee 2019 | Tennessee 2018 | United States 2019 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 1,136 | 1,040 | 36,355 |
| Fatal crashes | 1,041 | 973 | 33,487 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 16.6 | 15.3 | 11.1 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 24% | 20% | 26% |
Counties in 2019
Every county with a fatal crash in 2019, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 93 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 2019?
1,136 people in 1,041 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2019 file, or 16.6 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in Tennessee had the most crash deaths in 2019?
Shelby County with 155 deaths in 144 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2019 compare with 2018 in Tennessee?
1,136 deaths against 1,040 in 2018 (+9%). Nationally the 2019 total was 36,355.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2019 national file (accident table, vehicle and person tables); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.