Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Scottsdale, AZ recorded 110 traffic deaths in 105 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 9.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 58/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 58% of ranked US cities (#31 of 41 in Arizona, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Scottsdale, Arizona?
Scottsdale has a Road Danger Score of 58/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 105 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 110 people — 9.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Scottsdale ranks #31 out of 41 ranked cities in Arizona and #904 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 58% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Scottsdale's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 31% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Scottsdale fell 0% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Scottsdale’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 105 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Scottsdale | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 22 | 21.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 31 | 29.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 33 | 31.4% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 50 | 47.6% | 49.8% |
Scottsdale Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Scottsdale, 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 | 19 |
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2020 | 29 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Scottsdale, Arizona?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Scottsdale recorded 105 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 110 traffic deaths — an average of 22.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Scottsdale?
Scottsdale has a Road Danger Score of 58/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 58% of ranked US cities. The city averages 9.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Scottsdale?
Of Scottsdale's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 21% involved a drinking driver, 30% involved speeding, 31% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 48% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Scottsdale each year?
An average of 22.0 people per year died in car accidents in Scottsdale over the most recent five-year period (110 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Scottsdale more dangerous than in other Arizona cities?
Scottsdale ranks #31 of 41 ranked Arizona cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #904 of 2,153 nationally.