Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Roswell, NM recorded 32 traffic deaths in 29 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 13.7 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 82/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 82% of ranked US cities (#10 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 Roswell, New Mexico?
Roswell has a Road Danger Score of 82/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 29 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 32 people — 13.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Roswell ranks #10 out of 16 ranked cities in New Mexico and #382 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 82% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Roswell's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 59% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Roswell rose 100% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Roswell’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 29 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Roswell | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 8 | 27.6% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 17 | 58.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 11 | 37.9% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 18 | 62.1% | 49.8% |
Roswell Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Roswell, 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 | 10 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2020 | 7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Roswell, New Mexico?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Roswell recorded 29 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 32 traffic deaths — an average of 6.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Roswell?
Roswell has a Road Danger Score of 82/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 82% of ranked US cities. The city averages 13.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Roswell?
Of Roswell's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 28% involved a drinking driver, 59% involved speeding, 38% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 62% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Roswell each year?
An average of 6.4 people per year died in car accidents in Roswell across 2020–2024 (32 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Roswell more dangerous than in other New Mexico cities?
Roswell ranks #10 of 16 ranked New Mexico cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #382 of 2,153 nationally.