Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Elk Grove, CA recorded 32 traffic deaths in 31 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 3.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 15/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 15% of ranked US cities (#173 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Elk Grove, California?
Elk Grove has a Road Danger Score of 15/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 31 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 32 people — 3.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Elk Grove ranks #173 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,838 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 15% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Elk Grove's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 39% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Elk Grove rose 20% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Elk Grove’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 31 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Elk Grove | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 8 | 25.8% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 12 | 38.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 12 | 38.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 17 | 54.8% | 49.8% |
Elk Grove Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Elk Grove, California 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 | 6 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2020 | 5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Elk Grove, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Elk Grove recorded 31 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 32 traffic deaths — an average of 6.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Elk Grove?
Elk Grove has a Road Danger Score of 15/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 15% of ranked US cities. The city averages 3.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Elk Grove?
Of Elk Grove's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 26% involved a drinking driver, 39% involved speeding, 39% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 55% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Elk Grove each year?
An average of 6.4 people per year died in car accidents in Elk Grove over the most recent five-year period (32 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Elk Grove more dangerous than in other California cities?
Elk Grove ranks #173 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,838 of 2,153 nationally.