Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Merced, CA recorded 54 traffic deaths in 53 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 11.2 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 71/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 71% of ranked US cities (#36 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Merced, California?
Merced has a Road Danger Score of 71/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 53 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 54 people — 11.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Merced ranks #36 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #621 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 71% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Merced's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 51% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Merced fell 10% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Merced’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 | Merced | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 13 | 24.5% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 14 | 26.4% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 27 | 50.9% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 35 | 66.0% | 49.8% |
Merced Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Merced, 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 | 11 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2020 | 8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Merced, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Merced recorded 53 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 54 traffic deaths — an average of 10.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Merced?
Merced has a Road Danger Score of 71/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 71% of ranked US cities. The city averages 11.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Merced?
Of Merced's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 25% involved a drinking driver, 26% involved speeding, 51% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 66% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Merced each year?
An average of 10.8 people per year died in car accidents in Merced across 2020–2024 (54 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Merced more dangerous than in other California cities?
Merced ranks #36 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #621 of 2,153 nationally.