Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, West Plains, MO recorded 12 traffic deaths in 8 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 18.8 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 92/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 92% of ranked US cities (#6 of 55 in Missouri, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in West Plains, Missouri?
West Plains has a Road Danger Score of 92/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 8 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 12 people — 18.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
West Plains ranks #6 out of 55 ranked cities in Missouri and #165 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 92% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in West Plains's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 50% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
What’s Behind West Plains’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 8 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | West Plains | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 1 | 12.5% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 4 | 50.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 0 | 0.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 3 | 37.5% | 49.8% |
West Plains Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in West Plains, 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 | 3 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in West Plains, Missouri?
According to NHTSA FARS data, West Plains recorded 8 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 12 traffic deaths — an average of 2.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in West Plains?
West Plains has a Road Danger Score of 92/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 92% of ranked US cities. The city averages 18.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in West Plains?
Of West Plains's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 13% involved a drinking driver, 50% involved speeding, 0% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 38% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in West Plains each year?
An average of 2.4 people per year died in car accidents in West Plains across 2020–2024 (12 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in West Plains more dangerous than in other Missouri cities?
West Plains ranks #6 of 55 ranked Missouri cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #165 of 2,153 nationally.