Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Mesa, AZ recorded 297 traffic deaths in 280 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 11.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 73/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 73% of ranked US cities (#24 of 41 in Arizona, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Mesa, Arizona?
Mesa has a Road Danger Score of 73/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 280 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 297 people — 11.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Mesa ranks #24 out of 41 ranked cities in Arizona and #578 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 73% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Mesa's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 33% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Mesa rose 24% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Mesa’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 280 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Mesa | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 63 | 22.5% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 90 | 32.1% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 92 | 32.9% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 141 | 50.4% | 49.8% |
Mesa Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Mesa, 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 | 60 |
| 2023 | 68 |
| 2022 | 66 |
| 2021 | 56 |
| 2020 | 47 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Mesa, Arizona?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Mesa recorded 280 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 297 traffic deaths — an average of 59.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Mesa?
Mesa has a Road Danger Score of 73/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 73% of ranked US cities. The city averages 11.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Mesa?
Of Mesa's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 23% involved a drinking driver, 32% involved speeding, 33% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 50% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Mesa each year?
An average of 59.4 people per year died in car accidents in Mesa across 2020–2024 (297 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Mesa more dangerous than in other Arizona cities?
Mesa ranks #24 of 41 ranked Arizona cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #578 of 2,153 nationally.