Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Modesto, CA recorded 105 traffic deaths in 100 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 9.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 62/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 62% of ranked US cities (#53 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Modesto, California?
Modesto has a Road Danger Score of 62/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 100 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 105 people — 9.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Modesto ranks #53 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #817 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 62% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Modesto's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 54% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Modesto rose 2% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Modesto’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 100 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Modesto | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 25 | 25.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 36 | 36.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 54 | 54.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 64 | 64.0% | 49.8% |
Modesto Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Modesto, 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 | 20 |
| 2023 | 22 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2021 | 22 |
| 2020 | 19 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Modesto, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Modesto recorded 100 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 105 traffic deaths — an average of 21.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Modesto?
Modesto has a Road Danger Score of 62/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 62% of ranked US cities. The city averages 9.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Modesto?
Of Modesto's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 25% involved a drinking driver, 36% involved speeding, 54% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 64% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Modesto each year?
An average of 21.0 people per year died in car accidents in Modesto across 2020–2024 (105 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Modesto more dangerous than in other California cities?
Modesto ranks #53 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #817 of 2,153 nationally.