Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Tulsa, OK recorded 347 traffic deaths in 321 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 16.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 89/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 89% of ranked US cities (#3 of 42 in Oklahoma, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Tulsa, Oklahoma?
Tulsa has a Road Danger Score of 89/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 321 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 347 people — 16.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Tulsa ranks #3 out of 42 ranked cities in Oklahoma and #230 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 89% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Tulsa's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 60% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Tulsa rose 1% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Tulsa’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 321 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Tulsa | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 93 | 29.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 116 | 36.1% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 104 | 32.4% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 194 | 60.4% | 49.8% |
Tulsa Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Tulsa, 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 | 64 |
| 2023 | 77 |
| 2022 | 66 |
| 2021 | 81 |
| 2020 | 59 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Tulsa, Oklahoma?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Tulsa recorded 321 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 347 traffic deaths — an average of 69.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Tulsa?
Tulsa has a Road Danger Score of 89/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 89% of ranked US cities. The city averages 16.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Tulsa?
Of Tulsa's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 29% involved a drinking driver, 36% involved speeding, 32% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 60% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Tulsa each year?
An average of 69.4 people per year died in car accidents in Tulsa across 2020–2024 (347 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Tulsa more dangerous than in other Oklahoma cities?
Tulsa ranks #3 of 42 ranked Oklahoma cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #230 of 2,153 nationally.