Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Amarillo, TX recorded 117 traffic deaths in 103 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 11.5 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 72/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 72% of ranked US cities (#68 of 195 in Texas, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Amarillo, Texas?
Amarillo has a Road Danger Score of 72/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 103 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 117 people — 11.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Amarillo ranks #68 out of 195 ranked cities in Texas and #599 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 72% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Amarillo's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 53% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Amarillo fell 17% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Amarillo’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 103 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Amarillo | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 15 | 14.6% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 55 | 53.4% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 28 | 27.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 57 | 55.3% | 49.8% |
Amarillo Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Amarillo, Texas 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 | 21 |
| 2023 | 24 |
| 2022 | 18 |
| 2021 | 30 |
| 2020 | 24 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Amarillo, Texas?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Amarillo recorded 103 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 117 traffic deaths — an average of 23.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Amarillo?
Amarillo has a Road Danger Score of 72/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 72% of ranked US cities. The city averages 11.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Amarillo?
Of Amarillo's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 15% involved a drinking driver, 53% involved speeding, 27% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 55% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Amarillo each year?
An average of 23.4 people per year died in car accidents in Amarillo across 2020–2024 (117 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Amarillo more dangerous than in other Texas cities?
Amarillo ranks #68 of 195 ranked Texas cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #599 of 2,153 nationally.