Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Oak Lawn, IL recorded 15 traffic deaths in 15 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 5.5 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 31/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 31% of ranked US cities (#97 of 147 in Illinois, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Oak Lawn, Illinois?
Oak Lawn has a Road Danger Score of 31/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 15 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 15 people — 5.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Oak Lawn ranks #97 out of 147 ranked cities in Illinois and #1,491 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 31% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Oak Lawn's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 47% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Oak Lawn fell 29% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Oak Lawn’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 15 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Oak Lawn | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 4 | 26.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 7 | 46.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 7 | 46.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 8 | 53.3% | 49.8% |
Oak Lawn Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Oak Lawn, 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 | 0 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2020 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Oak Lawn, Illinois?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Oak Lawn recorded 15 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 15 traffic deaths — an average of 3.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Oak Lawn?
Oak Lawn has a Road Danger Score of 31/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 31% of ranked US cities. The city averages 5.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Oak Lawn?
Of Oak Lawn's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 27% involved a drinking driver, 47% involved speeding, 47% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 53% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Oak Lawn each year?
An average of 3.0 people per year died in car accidents in Oak Lawn across 2020–2024 (15 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Oak Lawn more dangerous than in other Illinois cities?
Oak Lawn ranks #97 of 147 ranked Illinois cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,491 of 2,153 nationally.