Deadliest morning drives: Memphis, Tucson top list of commuter crash rates

Memphis, Tennessee has been ranked the most dangerous metro in the United States for morning commuters, based on fatal crash rates during peak rush hours, according to a recent study published by MoneyGeek.

Analyzing data from 2019 to 2023, the study found that Memphis averaged 0.84 fatal crashes per 100,000 residents between 6 AM and 9 AM, the highest among major metropolitan areas in the country.

Tucson, Arizona followed closely with a rate of 0.80, while Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky placed third with 0.71. Other metros that made it into the top five include Greensboro-High Point, North Carolina (0.70) and Albuquerque, New Mexico (0.52).

Rounding out the top 10 were Chattanooga, Tennessee (0.51), Jacksonville, Florida (0.50), Baton Rouge, Louisiana (0.48), San Antonio-New Braunfels, Texas (0.44), and Winston-Salem, North Carolina (0.37).

The study looked at fatal crash data during morning commute hours from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Analysts from MoneyGeek then adjusted the figures based on population to calculate crash rates across metropolitan statistical areas.

While several of the cities with the highest rates are in the South, researchers noted that traffic infrastructure, driver behavior, and enforcement of traffic laws also factor into a region’s commuter safety.

The report underscores the need for enhanced safety measures during peak traffic periods, especially in areas with a high concentration of fatalities per capita.