Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Carlsbad, NM recorded 24 traffic deaths in 22 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 15.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 86/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 86% of ranked US cities (#7 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 Carlsbad, New Mexico?
Carlsbad has a Road Danger Score of 86/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 22 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 24 people — 15.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Carlsbad ranks #7 out of 16 ranked cities in New Mexico and #295 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 86% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Carlsbad's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 55% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Carlsbad rose 20% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Carlsbad’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 22 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Carlsbad | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 9 | 40.9% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 12 | 54.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 6 | 27.3% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 14 | 63.6% | 49.8% |
Carlsbad Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Carlsbad, 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 | 7 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Carlsbad, New Mexico?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Carlsbad recorded 22 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 24 traffic deaths — an average of 4.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Carlsbad?
Carlsbad has a Road Danger Score of 86/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 86% of ranked US cities. The city averages 15.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Carlsbad?
Of Carlsbad's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 41% involved a drinking driver, 55% involved speeding, 27% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 64% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Carlsbad each year?
An average of 4.8 people per year died in car accidents in Carlsbad across 2020–2024 (24 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Carlsbad more dangerous than in other New Mexico cities?
Carlsbad ranks #7 of 16 ranked New Mexico cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #295 of 2,153 nationally.