Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Washington Metropolitan, DC recorded 200 traffic deaths in 187 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 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 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Washington Metropolitan, District of Columbia?
Washington Metropolitan has a Road Danger Score of 33/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, 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 Metropolitan 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 Metropolitan's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 46% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Washington Metropolitan rose 18% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Washington Metropolitan’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
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 Metropolitan | 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 Metropolitan Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Washington Metropolitan, 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
How many fatal car accidents happen in Washington Metropolitan, District of Columbia?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Washington Metropolitan recorded 187 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 200 traffic deaths — an average of 40.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Washington Metropolitan?
Washington Metropolitan 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 Metropolitan?
Of Washington Metropolitan's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 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 Metropolitan each year?
An average of 40.0 people per year died in car accidents in Washington Metropolitan across 2020–2024 (200 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Washington Metropolitan more dangerous than in other District of Columbia cities?
Washington Metropolitan ranks #1 of 1 ranked District of Columbia cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,447 of 2,153 nationally.