Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Lake Havasu City, AZ recorded 43 traffic deaths in 38 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 14.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 84/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 84% of ranked US cities (#18 of 41 in Arizona, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Lake Havasu City, Arizona?
Lake Havasu City has a Road Danger Score of 84/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 38 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 43 people — 14.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Lake Havasu City ranks #18 out of 41 ranked cities in Arizona and #338 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 84% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Lake Havasu City's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 42% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Lake Havasu City rose 73% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Lake Havasu City’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 38 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Lake Havasu City | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 5 | 13.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 16 | 42.1% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 4 | 10.5% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 13 | 34.2% | 49.8% |
Lake Havasu City Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Lake Havasu City, Arizona from NHTSA FARS. Single-year swings are normal in smaller cities; the Road Danger Score uses the full 5-year window.
| Year | Traffic Deaths |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Lake Havasu City, Arizona?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Lake Havasu City recorded 38 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 43 traffic deaths — an average of 8.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Lake Havasu City?
Lake Havasu City has a Road Danger Score of 84/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 84% of ranked US cities. The city averages 14.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Lake Havasu City?
Of Lake Havasu City's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 13% involved a drinking driver, 42% involved speeding, 11% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 34% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Lake Havasu City each year?
An average of 8.6 people per year died in car accidents in Lake Havasu City across 2020–2024 (43 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Lake Havasu City more dangerous than in other Arizona cities?
Lake Havasu City ranks #18 of 41 ranked Arizona cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #338 of 2,153 nationally.