Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Fort Lauderdale, FL recorded 222 traffic deaths in 211 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 24.1 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 96/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 96% of ranked US cities (#13 of 122 in Florida, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?
Fort Lauderdale has a Road Danger Score of 96/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 211 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 222 people — 24.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Fort Lauderdale ranks #13 out of 122 ranked cities in Florida and #78 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 96% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Fort Lauderdale's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 49% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Fort Lauderdale rose 5% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Fort Lauderdale’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 211 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Fort Lauderdale | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 18 | 8.5% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 16 | 7.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 103 | 48.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 143 | 67.8% | 49.8% |
Fort Lauderdale Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Fort Lauderdale, Florida 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 | 39 |
| 2022 | 54 |
| 2021 | 48 |
| 2020 | 34 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Fort Lauderdale, Florida?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Fort Lauderdale recorded 211 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 222 traffic deaths — an average of 44.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale has a Road Danger Score of 96/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 96% of ranked US cities. The city averages 24.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Fort Lauderdale?
Of Fort Lauderdale's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 9% involved a drinking driver, 8% involved speeding, 49% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 68% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Fort Lauderdale each year?
An average of 44.4 people per year died in car accidents in Fort Lauderdale across 2020–2024 (222 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Fort Lauderdale more dangerous than in other Florida cities?
Fort Lauderdale ranks #13 of 122 ranked Florida cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #78 of 2,153 nationally.