Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Tucson, AZ recorded 675 traffic deaths in 640 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 24.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 97/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 97% of ranked US cities (#4 of 41 in Arizona, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Tucson, Arizona?
Tucson has a Road Danger Score of 97/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 640 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 675 people — 24.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Tucson ranks #4 out of 41 ranked cities in Arizona and #56 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 97% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Tucson's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 40% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Tucson rose 21% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Tucson’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 640 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Tucson | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 153 | 23.9% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 198 | 30.9% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 253 | 39.5% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 358 | 55.9% | 49.8% |
Tucson Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Tucson, 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 | 143 |
| 2023 | 148 |
| 2022 | 144 |
| 2021 | 115 |
| 2020 | 125 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Tucson, Arizona?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Tucson recorded 640 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 675 traffic deaths — an average of 135.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Tucson?
Tucson has a Road Danger Score of 97/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 97% of ranked US cities. The city averages 24.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Tucson?
Of Tucson's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 24% involved a drinking driver, 31% involved speeding, 40% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 56% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Tucson each year?
An average of 135.0 people per year died in car accidents in Tucson across 2020–2024 (675 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Tucson more dangerous than in other Arizona cities?
Tucson ranks #4 of 41 ranked Arizona cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #56 of 2,153 nationally.