Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Santa Fe, NM recorded 48 traffic deaths in 48 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 10.7 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 68/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 68% of ranked US cities (#13 of 16 in New Mexico, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Santa Fe, New Mexico?
Santa Fe has a Road Danger Score of 68/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 48 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 48 people — 10.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Santa Fe ranks #13 out of 16 ranked cities in New Mexico and #686 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 68% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Santa Fe's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 44% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Santa Fe fell 25% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Santa Fe’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 48 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Santa Fe | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 7 | 14.6% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 10 | 20.8% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 21 | 43.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 25 | 52.1% | 49.8% |
Santa Fe Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Santa Fe, 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 | 8 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2020 | 12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Santa Fe, New Mexico?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Santa Fe recorded 48 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 48 traffic deaths — an average of 9.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Santa Fe?
Santa Fe has a Road Danger Score of 68/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 68% of ranked US cities. The city averages 10.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Santa Fe?
Of Santa Fe's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 15% involved a drinking driver, 21% involved speeding, 44% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 52% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Santa Fe each year?
An average of 9.6 people per year died in car accidents in Santa Fe over the most recent five-year period (48 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Santa Fe more dangerous than in other New Mexico cities?
Santa Fe ranks #13 of 16 ranked New Mexico cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #686 of 2,153 nationally.