Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Merriam, KS recorded 7 traffic deaths in 7 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 13.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 79/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 79% of ranked US cities (#2 of 21 in Kansas, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Merriam, Kansas?
Merriam has a Road Danger Score of 79/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 7 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 7 people — 13.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Merriam ranks #2 out of 21 ranked cities in Kansas and #447 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 79% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Merriam's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 71% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
What’s Behind Merriam’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 7 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Merriam | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 2 | 28.6% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 2 | 28.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 1 | 14.3% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 5 | 71.4% | 49.8% |
Merriam Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Merriam, 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 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Merriam, Kansas?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Merriam recorded 7 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 7 traffic deaths — an average of 1.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Merriam?
Merriam has a Road Danger Score of 79/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 79% of ranked US cities. The city averages 13.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Merriam?
Of Merriam's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 29% involved a drinking driver, 29% involved speeding, 14% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 71% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Merriam each year?
An average of 1.4 people per year died in car accidents in Merriam across 2020–2024 (7 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Merriam more dangerous than in other Kansas cities?
Merriam ranks #2 of 21 ranked Kansas cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #447 of 2,153 nationally.