Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Thornton, CO recorded 58 traffic deaths in 51 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 8.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 51/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 51% of ranked US cities (#17 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 Thornton, Colorado?
Thornton has a Road Danger Score of 51/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 51 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 58 people — 8.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Thornton ranks #17 out of 35 ranked cities in Colorado and #1,056 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 51% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Thornton's fatal crashes: drinking driver involved — 37% of fatal crashes, versus 26% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Thornton rose 30% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Thornton’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 51 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Thornton | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 19 | 37.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 13 | 25.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 12 | 23.5% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 30 | 58.8% | 49.8% |
Thornton Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Thornton, 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 | 19 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2021 | 11 |
| 2020 | 9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Thornton, Colorado?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Thornton recorded 51 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 58 traffic deaths — an average of 11.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Thornton?
Thornton has a Road Danger Score of 51/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 51% of ranked US cities. The city averages 8.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Thornton?
Of Thornton's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 37% involved a drinking driver, 26% involved speeding, 24% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 59% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Thornton each year?
An average of 11.6 people per year died in car accidents in Thornton over the most recent five-year period (58 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Thornton more dangerous than in other Colorado cities?
Thornton ranks #17 of 35 ranked Colorado cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,056 of 2,153 nationally.