Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Fresno, CA recorded 343 traffic deaths in 319 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 12.5 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 77/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 77% of ranked US cities (#23 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 Fresno, California?
Fresno has a Road Danger Score of 77/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 319 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 343 people — 12.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Fresno ranks #23 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #491 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 77% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Fresno's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 54% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Fresno fell 29% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Fresno’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 319 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Fresno | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 84 | 26.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 115 | 36.1% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 173 | 54.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 218 | 68.3% | 49.8% |
Fresno Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Fresno, 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 | 61 |
| 2023 | 52 |
| 2022 | 70 |
| 2021 | 81 |
| 2020 | 79 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Fresno, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Fresno recorded 319 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 343 traffic deaths — an average of 68.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Fresno?
Fresno has a Road Danger Score of 77/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 77% of ranked US cities. The city averages 12.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Fresno?
Of Fresno's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 26% involved a drinking driver, 36% involved speeding, 54% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 68% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Fresno each year?
An average of 68.6 people per year died in car accidents in Fresno over the most recent five-year period (343 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Fresno more dangerous than in other California cities?
Fresno ranks #23 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #491 of 2,153 nationally.