Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Washington, DC recorded 200 traffic deaths in 187 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 5.7 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 33/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 33% of ranked US cities (#1 of 1 in District of Columbia, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Washington, District of Columbia?
Washington has a Road Danger Score of 33/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 187 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 200 people — 5.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Washington ranks #1 out of 1 ranked cities in District of Columbia and #1,447 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 33% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Washington's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 46% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Washington rose 18% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Washington’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 187 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Washington | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 45 | 24.1% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 74 | 39.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 85 | 45.5% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 122 | 65.2% | 49.8% |
Washington Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Washington, District of Columbia 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 | 47 |
| 2023 | 44 |
| 2022 | 32 |
| 2021 | 41 |
| 2020 | 36 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Washington, District of Columbia?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Washington recorded 187 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 200 traffic deaths — an average of 40.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Washington?
Washington has a Road Danger Score of 33/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 33% of ranked US cities. The city averages 5.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Washington?
Of Washington's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 24% involved a drinking driver, 40% involved speeding, 46% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 65% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Washington each year?
An average of 40.0 people per year died in car accidents in Washington over the most recent five-year period (200 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Washington more dangerous than in other District of Columbia cities?
Washington ranks #1 of 1 ranked District of Columbia cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,447 of 2,153 nationally.