Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Kansas City, KS recorded 114 traffic deaths in 109 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 14.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 85/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 85% of ranked US cities (#1 of 21 in Kansas, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Kansas City, Kansas?
Kansas City has a Road Danger Score of 85/100 (High Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 109 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 114 people — 14.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Kansas City ranks #1 out of 21 ranked cities in Kansas and #317 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 85% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Kansas City's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 40% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Kansas City fell 4% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Kansas City’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 109 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Kansas City | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 26 | 23.9% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 44 | 40.4% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 30 | 27.5% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 57 | 52.3% | 49.8% |
Kansas City Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Kansas City, Kansas 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 | 19 |
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2021 | 24 |
| 2020 | 23 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Kansas City, Kansas?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Kansas City recorded 109 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 114 traffic deaths — an average of 22.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Kansas City?
Kansas City has a Road Danger Score of 85/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 85% of ranked US cities. The city averages 14.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Kansas City?
Of Kansas City's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 24% involved a drinking driver, 40% involved speeding, 28% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 52% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Kansas City each year?
An average of 22.8 people per year died in car accidents in Kansas City over the most recent five-year period (114 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Kansas City more dangerous than in other Kansas cities?
Kansas City ranks #1 of 21 ranked Kansas cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #317 of 2,153 nationally.