Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Wheat Ridge, CO recorded 20 traffic deaths in 18 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 12.7 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 78/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 78% of ranked US cities (#4 of 35 in Colorado, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Wheat Ridge, Colorado?
Wheat Ridge has a Road Danger Score of 78/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 18 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 20 people — 12.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Wheat Ridge ranks #4 out of 35 ranked cities in Colorado and #469 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 78% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Wheat Ridge's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 44% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Wheat Ridge fell 11% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Wheat Ridge’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 18 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Wheat Ridge | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 4 | 22.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 3 | 16.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 8 | 44.4% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 9 | 50.0% | 49.8% |
Wheat Ridge Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Wheat Ridge, 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 | 5 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Wheat Ridge, Colorado?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Wheat Ridge recorded 18 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 20 traffic deaths — an average of 4.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Wheat Ridge?
Wheat Ridge has a Road Danger Score of 78/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 78% of ranked US cities. The city averages 12.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Wheat Ridge?
Of Wheat Ridge's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 22% involved a drinking driver, 17% involved speeding, 44% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 50% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Wheat Ridge each year?
An average of 4.0 people per year died in car accidents in Wheat Ridge across 2020–2024 (20 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Wheat Ridge more dangerous than in other Colorado cities?
Wheat Ridge ranks #4 of 35 ranked Colorado cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #469 of 2,153 nationally.