Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, El Paso, TX recorded 371 traffic deaths in 339 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 10.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 69/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 69% of ranked US cities (#71 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 El Paso, Texas?
El Paso has a Road Danger Score of 69/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 339 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 371 people — 10.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
El Paso ranks #71 out of 195 ranked cities in Texas and #664 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 69% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in El Paso's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 67% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in El Paso rose 6% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind El Paso’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 339 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | El Paso | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 108 | 31.9% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 137 | 40.4% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 96 | 28.3% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 226 | 66.7% | 49.8% |
El Paso Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in El Paso, 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 | 70 |
| 2023 | 84 |
| 2022 | 71 |
| 2021 | 82 |
| 2020 | 64 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for El Paso, Texas?
According to NHTSA FARS data, El Paso recorded 339 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 371 traffic deaths — an average of 74.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in El Paso?
El Paso has a Road Danger Score of 69/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 69% of ranked US cities. The city averages 10.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in El Paso?
Of El Paso's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 32% involved a drinking driver, 40% involved speeding, 28% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 67% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in El Paso each year?
An average of 74.2 people per year died in car accidents in El Paso over the most recent five-year period (371 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in El Paso more dangerous than in other Texas cities?
El Paso ranks #71 of 195 ranked Texas cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #664 of 2,153 nationally.