Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Denver, CO recorded 332 traffic deaths in 318 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 9.2 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 59/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 59% of ranked US cities (#13 of 35 in Colorado, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Denver, Colorado?
Denver has a Road Danger Score of 59/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 318 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 332 people — 9.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Denver ranks #13 out of 35 ranked cities in Colorado and #882 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 59% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Denver's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 36% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Denver rose 17% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Denver’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 318 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Denver | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 118 | 37.1% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 105 | 33.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 114 | 35.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 199 | 62.6% | 49.8% |
Denver Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Denver, 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 | 63 |
| 2023 | 76 |
| 2022 | 74 |
| 2021 | 68 |
| 2020 | 51 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Denver, Colorado?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Denver recorded 318 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 332 traffic deaths — an average of 66.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Denver?
Denver has a Road Danger Score of 59/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 59% of ranked US cities. The city averages 9.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Denver?
Of Denver's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 37% involved a drinking driver, 33% involved speeding, 36% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 63% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Denver each year?
An average of 66.4 people per year died in car accidents in Denver over the most recent five-year period (332 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Denver more dangerous than in other Colorado cities?
Denver ranks #13 of 35 ranked Colorado cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #882 of 2,153 nationally.