Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Lansing, MI recorded 61 traffic deaths in 57 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 10.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 69/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 69% of ranked US cities (#11 of 62 in Michigan, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Lansing, Michigan?
Lansing has a Road Danger Score of 69/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 57 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 61 people — 10.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Lansing ranks #11 out of 62 ranked cities in Michigan and #664 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 69% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Lansing's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 44% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Lansing fell 39% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Lansing’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 57 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Lansing | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 17 | 29.8% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 25 | 43.9% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 9 | 15.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 28 | 49.1% | 49.8% |
Lansing Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Lansing, 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 | 8 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2022 | 16 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2020 | 13 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Lansing, Michigan?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Lansing recorded 57 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 61 traffic deaths — an average of 12.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Lansing?
Lansing has a Road Danger Score of 69/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 69% of ranked US cities. The city averages 10.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Lansing?
Of Lansing's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 30% involved a drinking driver, 44% involved speeding, 16% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 49% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Lansing each year?
An average of 12.2 people per year died in car accidents in Lansing across 2020–2024 (61 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Lansing more dangerous than in other Michigan cities?
Lansing ranks #11 of 62 ranked Michigan cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #664 of 2,153 nationally.