Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Eugene, OR recorded 56 traffic deaths in 55 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 6.3 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 39/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 39% of ranked US cities (#7 of 28 in Oregon, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Eugene, Oregon?
Eugene has a Road Danger Score of 39/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 55 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 56 people — 6.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Eugene ranks #7 out of 28 ranked cities in Oregon and #1,317 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 39% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Eugene's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 55% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Eugene rose 93% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Eugene’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 55 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Eugene | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 10 | 18.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 12 | 21.8% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 30 | 54.5% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 29 | 52.7% | 49.8% |
Eugene Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Eugene, Oregon 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 | 17 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2020 | 5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Eugene, Oregon?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Eugene recorded 55 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 56 traffic deaths — an average of 11.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Eugene?
Eugene has a Road Danger Score of 39/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 39% of ranked US cities. The city averages 6.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Eugene?
Of Eugene's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 18% involved a drinking driver, 22% involved speeding, 55% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 53% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Eugene each year?
An average of 11.2 people per year died in car accidents in Eugene across 2020–2024 (56 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Eugene more dangerous than in other Oregon cities?
Eugene ranks #7 of 28 ranked Oregon cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,317 of 2,153 nationally.