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There are a ton of great things about Memphis, Tennessee. This city is known as the “Home of the Blues & Birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll” and 24 of the first 97 inductees into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame come from within 100 miles of it. It’s no wonder Memphis gets shout outs in 400 songs and counting. According to Billboard magazine, that’s the most of any city in the world. Memphis isn’t slowing down. But the city’s infamous personality causes its own set of problems.

Today, this city on the Mississippi is a major capital of not only rock and blues, but gospel, jazz, R&B, rap, and soul too. Memphis’ Beale Street is one of the most popular party destinations in the U.S. As entertainment districts go, it’s second only to New Orleans’ Bourbon Street. But not everyone kicking up their heels on Beale Street gets home safely. Memphis has the highest number of fatal car accidents of any city in the U.S.

Last year, Memphis suffered 24.18 fatal car accidents per 100,000 residents. And it also had the highest number of people killed in fatal car accidents (25.96 per 100,000 residents).

The Blues clubs lining Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee at twilight.
Beale Street, Memphis TN | Sean Pavone via iStockPhoto

There are several very dangerous cities in the U.S. Albuquerque, New Mexico, for example, has the highest number of fatal car accidents involving a distracted driver (5.42 per 100,000 residents). Kansas City, Missouri has the highest number of fatal accidents involving speeding (7.07 per 100,000 city residents). But it’s Memphis that has the most fatal accidents involving at least one drunk driver (7.5 per 100,000 residents).

If you’ve been considering visiting “Hollywood South,” you should absolutely go. It is the five-time winner of the nation’s cleanest city award, and with 7,000 acres of urban parks it has countless gorgeous spots. And it is, after all, the pork barbecue capital of the world, and the home of both Graceland and Sun Records. And you can’t miss Beale Street. But don’t be afraid to take a cab so you’re sure to get home safely.

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Henry Cesari

Henry Cesari joined MotorBiscuit in 2021 and brings his deep interest in vintage cars, trucks, and motorcycles to the site. Having restored his first classic car at just 16 years old, Henry has wrenched on everything from overland campers to Japanese motorcycles and even pre-war Bugattis. Henry is also an avid attendee at local car shows and genuinely enjoys connecting with fellow auto enthusiasts.

Henry earned a Bachelor’s in Anthropology and English from the University of Vermont. He has since incorporated his love of the written word with his admiration of classic cars. While Henry is interested in vintage cars, he believes the golden age of cars is yet to come. He is confident journalists will play an important role in this revolution by exposing the industry as it is now and envisioning its possible future.