Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Albuquerque, NM recorded 559 traffic deaths in 534 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 20.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 94/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 94% of ranked US cities (#4 of 16 in New Mexico, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Albuquerque, New Mexico?
Albuquerque has a Road Danger Score of 94/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 534 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 559 people — 20.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Albuquerque ranks #4 out of 16 ranked cities in New Mexico and #121 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 94% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Albuquerque's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 43% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Albuquerque fell 8% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Albuquerque’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 534 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Albuquerque | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 104 | 19.5% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 168 | 31.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 229 | 42.9% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 335 | 62.7% | 49.8% |
Albuquerque Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Albuquerque, New Mexico 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 | 111 |
| 2023 | 109 |
| 2022 | 101 |
| 2021 | 133 |
| 2020 | 105 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Albuquerque, New Mexico?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Albuquerque recorded 534 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 559 traffic deaths — an average of 111.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Albuquerque?
Albuquerque has a Road Danger Score of 94/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 94% of ranked US cities. The city averages 20.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Albuquerque?
Of Albuquerque's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 20% involved a drinking driver, 32% involved speeding, 43% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 63% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Albuquerque each year?
An average of 111.8 people per year died in car accidents in Albuquerque across 2020–2024 (559 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Albuquerque more dangerous than in other New Mexico cities?
Albuquerque ranks #4 of 16 ranked New Mexico cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #121 of 2,153 nationally.