Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, La Mesa, CA recorded 25 traffic deaths in 25 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 8.3 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 53/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 53% of ranked US cities (#77 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in La Mesa, California?
La Mesa has a Road Danger Score of 53/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 25 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 25 people — 8.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
La Mesa ranks #77 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,012 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 53% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in La Mesa's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 40% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in La Mesa fell 0% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind La Mesa’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 25 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | La Mesa | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 10 | 40.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 9 | 36.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 10 | 40.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 13 | 52.0% | 49.8% |
La Mesa Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in La Mesa, 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 | 4 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2020 | 5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in La Mesa, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, La Mesa recorded 25 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 25 traffic deaths — an average of 5.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in La Mesa?
La Mesa has a Road Danger Score of 53/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 53% of ranked US cities. The city averages 8.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in La Mesa?
Of La Mesa's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 40% involved a drinking driver, 36% involved speeding, 40% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 52% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in La Mesa each year?
An average of 5.0 people per year died in car accidents in La Mesa across 2020–2024 (25 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in La Mesa more dangerous than in other California cities?
La Mesa ranks #77 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,012 of 2,153 nationally.