Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Colorado recorded 3,486 traffic deaths in 3,219 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 11.9 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #28 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths 2020–2024
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 (2020–2024) | 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 from 2020 to 2024, 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 in 2020–2024, 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.