Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Elgin, IL recorded 17 traffic deaths in 16 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 3.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 12/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 12% of ranked US cities (#131 of 147 in Illinois, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Elgin, Illinois?
Elgin has a Road Danger Score of 12/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 16 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 17 people — 3.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Elgin ranks #131 out of 147 ranked cities in Illinois and #1,904 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 12% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Elgin's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 56% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Elgin rose 14% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Elgin’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 16 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Elgin | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 4 | 25.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 7 | 43.8% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 9 | 56.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 10 | 62.5% | 49.8% |
Elgin Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Elgin, 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 | 3 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2020 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Elgin, Illinois?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Elgin recorded 16 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 17 traffic deaths — an average of 3.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Elgin?
Elgin has a Road Danger Score of 12/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 12% of ranked US cities. The city averages 3.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Elgin?
Of Elgin's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 25% involved a drinking driver, 44% involved speeding, 56% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 63% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Elgin each year?
An average of 3.4 people per year died in car accidents in Elgin over the most recent five-year period (17 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Elgin more dangerous than in other Illinois cities?
Elgin ranks #131 of 147 ranked Illinois cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,904 of 2,153 nationally.