Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Kansas recorded 1,985 traffic deaths in 1,793 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 13.5 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #20 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths 2020–2024
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
Kansas Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous Kansas Cities to Drive In
All 21 ranked Kansas cities by Road Danger Score (5-year traffic deaths per 100,000 residents, most dangerous first).
| # | City | Danger Score | Deaths (2020–2024) | Deaths per 100K/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kansas City | 85/100 | 114 | 14.9 |
| 2 | Merriam | 79/100 | 7 | 13.0 |
| 3 | Mission | 75/100 | 6 | 12.0 |
| 4 | Wichita | 74/100 | 232 | 11.7 |
| 5 | Newton | 69/100 | 10 | 11.0 |
| 6 | Atchison | 61/100 | 5 | 9.4 |
| 7 | Topeka | 58/100 | 56 | 8.9 |
| 8 | Junction City | 47/100 | 8 | 7.4 |
| 9 | Hutchinson | 44/100 | 14 | 7.1 |
| 10 | Salina | 38/100 | 14 | 6.2 |
| 11 | Lenexa | 38/100 | 18 | 6.1 |
| 12 | Derby | 37/100 | 8 | 6.1 |
| 13 | Liberal | 29/100 | 5 | 5.3 |
| 14 | Leavenworth | 25/100 | 9 | 4.9 |
| 15 | Dodge City | 21/100 | 6 | 4.4 |
| 16 | Emporia | 20/100 | 5 | 4.1 |
| 17 | Leawood | 15/100 | 6 | 3.5 |
| 18 | Lawrence | 14/100 | 16 | 3.3 |
| 19 | Garden City | 11/100 | 4 | 2.9 |
| 20 | Olathe | 10/100 | 20 | 2.7 |
| 21 | Shawnee | 9/100 | 9 | 2.6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in Kansas?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 1,793 fatal car accidents in Kansas from 2020 to 2024, killing 1,985 people — an average of 397 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are Kansas roads compared to other states?
Kansas averages 13.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #20 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in Kansas?
Of Kansas's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 25% involved a drinking driver, 22% involved speeding, and 42% happened in dark conditions.
Which Kansas city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked Kansas cities, Kansas City has the highest Road Danger Score (85/100) at 14.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.