Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Atlanta, GA recorded 424 traffic deaths in 390 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 17.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 90/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 90% of ranked US cities (#29 of 70 in Georgia, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Atlanta, Georgia?
Atlanta has a Road Danger Score of 90/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 390 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 424 people — 17.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Atlanta ranks #29 out of 70 ranked cities in Georgia and #208 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 90% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Atlanta's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 71% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Atlanta fell 24% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Atlanta’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 390 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Atlanta | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 53 | 13.6% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 99 | 25.4% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 149 | 38.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 277 | 71.0% | 49.8% |
Atlanta Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Atlanta, Georgia 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 | 56 |
| 2023 | 84 |
| 2022 | 101 |
| 2021 | 102 |
| 2020 | 81 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Atlanta, Georgia?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Atlanta recorded 390 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 424 traffic deaths — an average of 84.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Atlanta?
Atlanta has a Road Danger Score of 90/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 90% of ranked US cities. The city averages 17.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Atlanta?
Of Atlanta's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 14% involved a drinking driver, 25% involved speeding, 38% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 71% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Atlanta each year?
An average of 84.8 people per year died in car accidents in Atlanta across 2020–2024 (424 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Atlanta more dangerous than in other Georgia cities?
Atlanta ranks #29 of 70 ranked Georgia cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #208 of 2,153 nationally.