Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Tampa, FL recorded 317 traffic deaths in 300 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 15.5 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 87/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 87% of ranked US cities (#40 of 122 in Florida, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Tampa, Florida?
Tampa has a Road Danger Score of 87/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 300 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 317 people — 15.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Tampa ranks #40 out of 122 ranked cities in Florida and #273 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 87% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Tampa's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 44% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Tampa fell 25% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Tampa’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 300 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Tampa | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 61 | 20.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 76 | 25.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 131 | 43.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 171 | 57.0% | 49.8% |
Tampa Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Tampa, 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 | 58 |
| 2023 | 49 |
| 2022 | 67 |
| 2021 | 79 |
| 2020 | 64 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Tampa, Florida?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Tampa recorded 300 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 317 traffic deaths — an average of 63.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Tampa?
Tampa has a Road Danger Score of 87/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 87% of ranked US cities. The city averages 15.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Tampa?
Of Tampa's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 20% involved a drinking driver, 25% involved speeding, 44% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 57% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Tampa each year?
An average of 63.4 people per year died in car accidents in Tampa across 2020–2024 (317 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Tampa more dangerous than in other Florida cities?
Tampa ranks #40 of 122 ranked Florida cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #273 of 2,153 nationally.