Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Los Angeles, CA recorded 1,637 traffic deaths in 1,558 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 8.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 55/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 55% of ranked US cities (#69 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Los Angeles, California?
Los Angeles has a Road Danger Score of 55/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 1,558 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 1,637 people — 8.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Los Angeles ranks #69 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #969 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 55% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Los Angeles's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 53% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Los Angeles rose 3% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Los Angeles’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 1,558 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Los Angeles | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 231 | 14.8% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 608 | 39.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 823 | 52.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 1,119 | 71.8% | 49.8% |
Los Angeles Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Los Angeles, 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 | 308 |
| 2023 | 341 |
| 2022 | 356 |
| 2021 | 340 |
| 2020 | 292 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Los Angeles, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Los Angeles recorded 1,558 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 1,637 traffic deaths — an average of 327.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a Road Danger Score of 55/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 55% of ranked US cities. The city averages 8.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Los Angeles?
Of Los Angeles's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 15% involved a drinking driver, 39% involved speeding, 53% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 72% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Los Angeles each year?
An average of 327.4 people per year died in car accidents in Los Angeles across 2020–2024 (1,637 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Los Angeles more dangerous than in other California cities?
Los Angeles ranks #69 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #969 of 2,153 nationally.