Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Omaha, NE recorded 192 traffic deaths in 181 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 8.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 51/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 51% of ranked US cities (#1 of 9 in Nebraska, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Omaha, Nebraska?
Omaha has a Road Danger Score of 51/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 181 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 192 people — 8.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Omaha ranks #1 out of 9 ranked cities in Nebraska and #1,056 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 51% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Omaha's fatal crashes: drinking driver involved — 38% of fatal crashes, versus 26% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Omaha rose 23% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Omaha’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 181 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Omaha | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 68 | 37.6% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 54 | 29.8% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 40 | 22.1% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 111 | 61.3% | 49.8% |
Omaha Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Omaha, Nebraska 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 | 54 |
| 2023 | 33 |
| 2022 | 34 |
| 2021 | 29 |
| 2020 | 42 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Omaha, Nebraska?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Omaha recorded 181 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 192 traffic deaths — an average of 38.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Omaha?
Omaha has a Road Danger Score of 51/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 51% of ranked US cities. The city averages 8.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Omaha?
Of Omaha's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 38% involved a drinking driver, 30% involved speeding, 22% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 61% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Omaha each year?
An average of 38.4 people per year died in car accidents in Omaha across 2020–2024 (192 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Omaha more dangerous than in other Nebraska cities?
Omaha ranks #1 of 9 ranked Nebraska cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,056 of 2,153 nationally.