Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Olathe, KS recorded 20 traffic deaths in 20 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 2.7 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 10/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 10% of ranked US cities (#20 of 21 in Kansas, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Olathe, Kansas?
Olathe has a Road Danger Score of 10/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 20 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 20 people — 2.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Olathe ranks #20 out of 21 ranked cities in Kansas and #1,947 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 10% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Olathe's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 35% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Olathe rose 14% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Olathe’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 20 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Olathe | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 2 | 10.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 4 | 20.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 7 | 35.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 10 | 50.0% | 49.8% |
Olathe Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Olathe, 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 | 3 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2020 | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Olathe, Kansas?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Olathe recorded 20 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 20 traffic deaths — an average of 4.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Olathe?
Olathe has a Road Danger Score of 10/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 10% of ranked US cities. The city averages 2.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Olathe?
Of Olathe's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 10% involved a drinking driver, 20% involved speeding, 35% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 50% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Olathe each year?
An average of 4.0 people per year died in car accidents in Olathe across 2020–2024 (20 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Olathe more dangerous than in other Kansas cities?
Olathe ranks #20 of 21 ranked Kansas cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,947 of 2,153 nationally.