Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Arlington, TX recorded 192 traffic deaths in 185 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 9.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 62/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 62% of ranked US cities (#83 of 195 in Texas, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Arlington, Texas?
Arlington has a Road Danger Score of 62/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 185 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 192 people — 9.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Arlington ranks #83 out of 195 ranked cities in Texas and #817 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 62% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Arlington's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 62% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Arlington fell 9% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Arlington’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 185 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Arlington | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 62 | 33.5% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 65 | 35.1% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 51 | 27.6% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 114 | 61.6% | 49.8% |
Arlington Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Arlington, 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 | 37 |
| 2023 | 42 |
| 2022 | 26 |
| 2021 | 53 |
| 2020 | 34 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Arlington, Texas?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Arlington recorded 185 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 192 traffic deaths — an average of 38.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Arlington?
Arlington has a Road Danger Score of 62/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 62% of ranked US cities. The city averages 9.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Arlington?
Of Arlington's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 34% involved a drinking driver, 35% involved speeding, 28% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 62% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Arlington each year?
An average of 38.4 people per year died in car accidents in Arlington over the most recent five-year period (192 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Arlington more dangerous than in other Texas cities?
Arlington ranks #83 of 195 ranked Texas cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #817 of 2,153 nationally.