Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Champaign, IL recorded 18 traffic deaths in 18 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 4.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 19/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 19% of ranked US cities (#118 of 147 in Illinois, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Champaign, Illinois?
Champaign has a Road Danger Score of 19/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 18 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 18 people — 4.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Champaign ranks #118 out of 147 ranked cities in Illinois and #1,751 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 19% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Champaign's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 61% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Champaign fell 44% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Champaign’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 18 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Champaign | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 6 | 33.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 6 | 33.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 6 | 33.3% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 11 | 61.1% | 49.8% |
Champaign Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Champaign, Illinois 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 | 2 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Champaign, Illinois?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Champaign recorded 18 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 18 traffic deaths — an average of 3.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Champaign?
Champaign has a Road Danger Score of 19/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 19% of ranked US cities. The city averages 4.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Champaign?
Of Champaign's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 33% involved a drinking driver, 33% involved speeding, 33% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 61% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Champaign each year?
An average of 3.6 people per year died in car accidents in Champaign across 2020–2024 (18 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Champaign more dangerous than in other Illinois cities?
Champaign ranks #118 of 147 ranked Illinois cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,751 of 2,153 nationally.