Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Oklahoma City, OK recorded 465 traffic deaths in 445 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 13.1 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 80/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 80% of ranked US cities (#11 of 42 in Oklahoma, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma?
Oklahoma City has a Road Danger Score of 80/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 445 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 465 people — 13.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Oklahoma City ranks #11 out of 42 ranked cities in Oklahoma and #425 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 80% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Oklahoma City's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 33% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Oklahoma City rose 8% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Oklahoma City’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 445 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Oklahoma City | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 111 | 24.9% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 147 | 33.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 146 | 32.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 251 | 56.4% | 49.8% |
Oklahoma City Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 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 | 97 |
| 2023 | 99 |
| 2022 | 88 |
| 2021 | 100 |
| 2020 | 81 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Oklahoma City recorded 445 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 465 traffic deaths — an average of 93.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Oklahoma City?
Oklahoma City has a Road Danger Score of 80/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 80% of ranked US cities. The city averages 13.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Oklahoma City?
Of Oklahoma City's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 25% involved a drinking driver, 33% involved speeding, 33% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 56% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Oklahoma City each year?
An average of 93.0 people per year died in car accidents in Oklahoma City across 2020–2024 (465 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Oklahoma City more dangerous than in other Oklahoma cities?
Oklahoma City ranks #11 of 42 ranked Oklahoma cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #425 of 2,153 nationally.