Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Kansas recorded 1,985 traffic deaths in 1,793 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 13.5 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #20 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths (5-Yr Total)
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 (5-Yr) | 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 over the most recent five-year period, 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 over the most recent five-year period, 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.