Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Irvine, CA recorded 55 traffic deaths in 53 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 3.5 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 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Irvine, California?
Irvine has a Road Danger Score of 15/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 53 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 55 people — 3.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Irvine 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 Irvine's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 40% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Irvine rose 50% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Irvine’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 53 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Irvine | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 12 | 22.6% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 21 | 39.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 15 | 28.3% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 30 | 56.6% | 49.8% |
Irvine Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Irvine, 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 | 13 |
| 2023 | 14 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2020 | 8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Irvine, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Irvine recorded 53 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 55 traffic deaths — an average of 11.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Irvine?
Irvine 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 3.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Irvine?
Of Irvine's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 23% involved a drinking driver, 40% involved speeding, 28% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 57% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Irvine each year?
An average of 11.0 people per year died in car accidents in Irvine across 2020–2024 (55 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Irvine more dangerous than in other California cities?
Irvine ranks #173 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,838 of 2,153 nationally.