Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Brighton, CO recorded 35 traffic deaths in 32 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 16.2 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 88/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 88% of ranked US cities (#1 of 35 in Colorado, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Brighton, Colorado?
Brighton has a Road Danger Score of 88/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 32 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 35 people — 16.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Brighton ranks #1 out of 35 ranked cities in Colorado and #251 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 88% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Brighton's fatal crashes: drinking driver involved — 53% of fatal crashes, versus 26% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Brighton fell 18% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Brighton’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 32 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Brighton | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 17 | 53.1% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 8 | 25.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 6 | 18.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 18 | 56.2% | 49.8% |
Brighton Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Brighton, Colorado 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 | 7 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2020 | 7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Brighton, Colorado?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Brighton recorded 32 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 35 traffic deaths — an average of 7.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Brighton?
Brighton has a Road Danger Score of 88/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 88% of ranked US cities. The city averages 16.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Brighton?
Of Brighton's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 53% involved a drinking driver, 25% involved speeding, 19% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 56% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Brighton each year?
An average of 7.0 people per year died in car accidents in Brighton across 2020–2024 (35 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Brighton more dangerous than in other Colorado cities?
Brighton ranks #1 of 35 ranked Colorado cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #251 of 2,153 nationally.