Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Colorado recorded 3,486 traffic deaths in 3,219 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 11.9 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #28 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths (5-Yr Total)
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
Colorado Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous Colorado Cities to Drive In
All 35 ranked Colorado cities by Road Danger Score (5-year traffic deaths per 100,000 residents, most dangerous first).
| # | City | Danger Score | Deaths (5-Yr) | Deaths per 100K/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brighton | 88/100 | 35 | 16.2 |
| 2 | Pueblo | 87/100 | 88 | 15.9 |
| 3 | Federal Heights | 79/100 | 9 | 12.9 |
| 4 | Wheat Ridge | 78/100 | 20 | 12.7 |
| 5 | Commerce City | 75/100 | 42 | 12.0 |
| 6 | Aurora | 74/100 | 235 | 11.8 |
| 7 | Lakewood | 71/100 | 88 | 11.3 |
| 8 | Fountain | 68/100 | 15 | 10.7 |
| 9 | Colorado Springs | 65/100 | 247 | 10.1 |
| 10 | Durango | 65/100 | 10 | 10.0 |
| 11 | Golden | 64/100 | 10 | 9.9 |
| 12 | Grand Junction | 62/100 | 34 | 9.6 |
| 13 | Denver | 59/100 | 332 | 9.2 |
| 14 | Frederick | 55/100 | 8 | 8.5 |
| 15 | Loveland | 54/100 | 34 | 8.5 |
| 16 | Englewood | 52/100 | 14 | 8.1 |
| 17 | Greenwood Village | 51/100 | 6 | 8.0 |
| 18 | Thornton | 51/100 | 58 | 8.0 |
| 19 | Greeley | 49/100 | 44 | 7.7 |
| 20 | Westminster | 48/100 | 43 | 7.5 |
| 21 | Montrose | 47/100 | 8 | 7.4 |
| 22 | Firestone | 45/100 | 7 | 7.3 |
| 23 | Lone Tree | 45/100 | 5 | 7.1 |
| 24 | Fort Collins | 38/100 | 53 | 6.2 |
| 25 | Longmont | 37/100 | 30 | 6.1 |
| 26 | Lafayette | 36/100 | 9 | 5.9 |
| 27 | Broomfield | 35/100 | 23 | 5.9 |
| 28 | Northglenn | 28/100 | 10 | 5.2 |
| 29 | Parker | 26/100 | 16 | 5.0 |
| 30 | Littleton | 26/100 | 11 | 5.0 |
| 31 | City Of Centennial | 18/100 | 21 | 3.9 |
| 32 | Arvada | 16/100 | 22 | 3.7 |
| 33 | Castle Rock | 13/100 | 13 | 3.1 |
| 34 | Boulder | 12/100 | 16 | 3.0 |
| 35 | Windsor | 6/100 | 4 | 1.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in Colorado?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 3,219 fatal car accidents in Colorado over the most recent five-year period, killing 3,486 people — an average of 697 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are Colorado roads compared to other states?
Colorado averages 11.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #28 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in Colorado?
Of Colorado's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 35% involved a drinking driver, 35% involved speeding, and 47% happened in dark conditions.
Which Colorado city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked Colorado cities, Brighton has the highest Road Danger Score (88/100) at 16.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.