Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, West Des Moines, IA recorded 11 traffic deaths in 11 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 (#17 of 24 in Iowa, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in West Des Moines, Iowa?
West Des Moines has a Road Danger Score of 12/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 11 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 11 people — 3.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
West Des Moines ranks #17 out of 24 ranked cities in Iowa 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 West Des Moines's fatal crashes: drinking driver involved — 36% of fatal crashes, versus 26% nationally.
What’s Behind West Des Moines’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 11 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | West Des Moines | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 4 | 36.4% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 3 | 27.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 2 | 18.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 5 | 45.5% | 49.8% |
West Des Moines Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in West Des Moines, Iowa 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 | 2 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for West Des Moines, Iowa?
According to NHTSA FARS data, West Des Moines recorded 11 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 11 traffic deaths — an average of 2.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in West Des Moines?
West Des Moines 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 West Des Moines?
Of West Des Moines's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 36% involved a drinking driver, 27% involved speeding, 18% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 46% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in West Des Moines each year?
An average of 2.2 people per year died in car accidents in West Des Moines over the most recent five-year period (11 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in West Des Moines more dangerous than in other Iowa cities?
West Des Moines ranks #17 of 24 ranked Iowa cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,904 of 2,153 nationally.