Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Utah recorded 1,484 traffic deaths in 1,351 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 8.8 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #43 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths 2020–2024
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
Utah Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous Utah Cities to Drive In
All 36 ranked Utah cities by Road Danger Score (5-year traffic deaths per 100,000 residents, most dangerous first).
| # | City | Danger Score | Deaths (2020–2024) | Deaths per 100K/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vernal | 97/100 | 13 | 24.3 |
| 2 | Grantsville | 87/100 | 13 | 16.0 |
| 3 | South Salt Lake | 86/100 | 20 | 15.4 |
| 4 | Ogden | 78/100 | 55 | 12.6 |
| 5 | Spanish Fork | 77/100 | 29 | 12.5 |
| 6 | Salt Lake City | 75/100 | 128 | 12.0 |
| 7 | Murray | 72/100 | 28 | 11.4 |
| 8 | Centerville | 63/100 | 8 | 9.8 |
| 9 | West Valley City | 58/100 | 60 | 9.0 |
| 10 | Brigham City | 58/100 | 9 | 9.0 |
| 11 | Pleasant View | 57/100 | 5 | 8.8 |
| 12 | Hurricane | 56/100 | 11 | 8.7 |
| 13 | Cedar City | 52/100 | 17 | 8.2 |
| 14 | Payson | 51/100 | 10 | 8.0 |
| 15 | Tooele City | 50/100 | 16 | 7.9 |
| 16 | Logan | 50/100 | 22 | 7.8 |
| 17 | Roy | 49/100 | 15 | 7.8 |
| 18 | Draper | 49/100 | 19 | 7.7 |
| 19 | St. George | 45/100 | 39 | 7.2 |
| 20 | Taylorsville | 45/100 | 20 | 7.1 |
| 21 | Farmington | 37/100 | 8 | 6.1 |
| 22 | Clearfield | 33/100 | 10 | 5.7 |
| 23 | South Ogden | 33/100 | 5 | 5.6 |
| 24 | American Fork | 28/100 | 13 | 5.2 |
| 25 | Provo | 27/100 | 29 | 5.1 |
| 26 | Washington City | 26/100 | 9 | 5.0 |
| 27 | Kaysville | 25/100 | 8 | 4.9 |
| 28 | West Jordan | 24/100 | 27 | 4.7 |
| 29 | North Salt Lake | 20/100 | 5 | 4.2 |
| 30 | Layton | 17/100 | 16 | 3.8 |
| 31 | Lehi | 17/100 | 18 | 3.8 |
| 32 | Springville | 6/100 | 3 | 1.7 |
| 33 | Pleasant Grove | 5/100 | 3 | 1.6 |
| 34 | South Jordan | 2/100 | 3 | 0.7 |
| 35 | Syracuse | 1/100 | 1 | 0.5 |
| 36 | Bountiful | 1/100 | 1 | 0.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in Utah?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 1,351 fatal car accidents in Utah from 2020 to 2024, killing 1,484 people — an average of 297 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are Utah roads compared to other states?
Utah averages 8.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #43 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in Utah?
Of Utah's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 25% involved a drinking driver, 31% involved speeding, and 42% happened in dark conditions.
Which Utah city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked Utah cities, Vernal has the highest Road Danger Score (97/100) at 24.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.