Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Lubbock, TX recorded 175 traffic deaths in 159 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 13.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 79/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 79% of ranked US cities (#51 of 195 in Texas, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Lubbock, Texas?
Lubbock has a Road Danger Score of 79/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 159 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 175 people — 13.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Lubbock ranks #51 out of 195 ranked cities in Texas and #447 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 79% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Lubbock's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 67% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Lubbock fell 3% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Lubbock’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 159 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Lubbock | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 48 | 30.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 59 | 37.1% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 47 | 29.6% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 107 | 67.3% | 49.8% |
Lubbock Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Lubbock, 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 | 30 |
| 2023 | 39 |
| 2022 | 35 |
| 2021 | 45 |
| 2020 | 26 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Lubbock, Texas?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Lubbock recorded 159 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 175 traffic deaths — an average of 35.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Lubbock?
Lubbock has a Road Danger Score of 79/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 79% of ranked US cities. The city averages 13.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Lubbock?
Of Lubbock's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 30% involved a drinking driver, 37% involved speeding, 30% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 67% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Lubbock each year?
An average of 35.0 people per year died in car accidents in Lubbock across 2020–2024 (175 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Lubbock more dangerous than in other Texas cities?
Lubbock ranks #51 of 195 ranked Texas cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #447 of 2,153 nationally.