Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, New Mexico recorded 2,196 traffic deaths in 1,996 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 20.8 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #4 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths (5-Yr Total)
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
New Mexico Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous New Mexico Cities to Drive In
All 16 ranked New Mexico cities by Road Danger Score (5-year traffic deaths per 100,000 residents, most dangerous first).
| # | City | Danger Score | Deaths (5-Yr) | Deaths per 100K/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Lunas | 98/100 | 29 | 29.4 |
| 2 | Deming | 98/100 | 19 | 27.1 |
| 3 | Gallup | 97/100 | 27 | 27.0 |
| 4 | Albuquerque | 94/100 | 559 | 20.0 |
| 5 | Portales | 90/100 | 10 | 17.0 |
| 6 | Artesia | 88/100 | 10 | 16.5 |
| 7 | Bernalillo | 86/100 | 8 | 15.5 |
| 8 | Carlsbad | 86/100 | 24 | 15.4 |
| 9 | Farmington | 86/100 | 35 | 15.2 |
| 10 | Hobbs | 82/100 | 27 | 13.9 |
| 11 | Roswell | 82/100 | 32 | 13.7 |
| 12 | Clovis | 76/100 | 23 | 12.3 |
| 13 | Santa Fe | 68/100 | 48 | 10.7 |
| 14 | Las Cruces | 66/100 | 59 | 10.2 |
| 15 | Lovington | 57/100 | 5 | 8.8 |
| 16 | Los Alamos | 38/100 | 6 | 6.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in New Mexico?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 1,996 fatal car accidents in New Mexico over the most recent five-year period, killing 2,196 people — an average of 439 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are New Mexico roads compared to other states?
New Mexico averages 20.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #4 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in New Mexico?
Of New Mexico's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 25% involved a drinking driver, 36% involved speeding, and 52% happened in dark conditions.
Which New Mexico city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked New Mexico cities, Los Lunas has the highest Road Danger Score (98/100) at 29.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.