Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Independence, MO recorded 97 traffic deaths in 92 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 16.1 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 88/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 88% of ranked US cities (#10 of 55 in Missouri, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Independence, Missouri?
Independence has a Road Danger Score of 88/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 92 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 97 people — 16.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Independence ranks #10 out of 55 ranked cities in Missouri and #251 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 88% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Independence's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 46% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Independence rose 5% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Independence’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 92 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Independence | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 32 | 34.8% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 42 | 45.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 26 | 28.3% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 49 | 53.3% | 49.8% |
Independence Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Independence, Missouri 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 | 20 |
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2022 | 17 |
| 2021 | 19 |
| 2020 | 20 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Independence, Missouri?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Independence recorded 92 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 97 traffic deaths — an average of 19.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Independence?
Independence has a Road Danger Score of 88/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 88% of ranked US cities. The city averages 16.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Independence?
Of Independence's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 35% involved a drinking driver, 46% involved speeding, 28% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 53% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Independence each year?
An average of 19.4 people per year died in car accidents in Independence across 2020–2024 (97 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Independence more dangerous than in other Missouri cities?
Independence ranks #10 of 55 ranked Missouri cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #251 of 2,153 nationally.