Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Austin, TX recorded 525 traffic deaths in 492 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 10.7 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 67/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 67% of ranked US cities (#75 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 Austin, Texas?
Austin has a Road Danger Score of 67/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 492 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 525 people — 10.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Austin ranks #75 out of 195 ranked cities in Texas and #708 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 67% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Austin's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 46% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Austin fell 9% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Austin’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 492 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Austin | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 129 | 26.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 147 | 29.9% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 228 | 46.3% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 353 | 71.7% | 49.8% |
Austin Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Austin, 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 | 100 |
| 2023 | 94 |
| 2022 | 119 |
| 2021 | 118 |
| 2020 | 94 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Austin, Texas?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Austin recorded 492 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 525 traffic deaths — an average of 105.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Austin?
Austin has a Road Danger Score of 67/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 67% of ranked US cities. The city averages 10.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Austin?
Of Austin's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 26% involved a drinking driver, 30% involved speeding, 46% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 72% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Austin each year?
An average of 105.0 people per year died in car accidents in Austin over the most recent five-year period (525 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Austin more dangerous than in other Texas cities?
Austin ranks #75 of 195 ranked Texas cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #708 of 2,153 nationally.