Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Detroit, MI recorded 699 traffic deaths in 650 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 21.5 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 95/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 95% of ranked US cities (#4 of 62 in Michigan, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Detroit, Michigan?
Detroit has a Road Danger Score of 95/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 650 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 699 people — 21.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Detroit ranks #4 out of 62 ranked cities in Michigan and #99 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 95% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Detroit's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 66% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Detroit fell 31% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Detroit’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 650 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Detroit | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 135 | 20.8% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 231 | 35.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 203 | 31.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 426 | 65.5% | 49.8% |
Detroit Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Detroit, Michigan 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 | 105 |
| 2023 | 132 |
| 2022 | 121 |
| 2021 | 150 |
| 2020 | 191 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Detroit, Michigan?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Detroit recorded 650 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 699 traffic deaths — an average of 139.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Detroit?
Detroit has a Road Danger Score of 95/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 95% of ranked US cities. The city averages 21.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Detroit?
Of Detroit's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 21% involved a drinking driver, 36% involved speeding, 31% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 66% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Detroit each year?
An average of 139.8 people per year died in car accidents in Detroit across 2020–2024 (699 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Detroit more dangerous than in other Michigan cities?
Detroit ranks #4 of 62 ranked Michigan cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #99 of 2,153 nationally.