Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Salt Lake City, UT recorded 128 traffic deaths in 122 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 12.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 75/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 75% of ranked US cities (#6 of 36 in Utah, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Salt Lake City, Utah?
Salt Lake City has a Road Danger Score of 75/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 122 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 128 people — 12.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Salt Lake City ranks #6 out of 36 ranked cities in Utah and #534 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 75% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Salt Lake City's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 34% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Salt Lake City fell 20% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Salt Lake City’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 122 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Salt Lake City | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 26 | 21.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 35 | 28.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 42 | 34.4% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 71 | 58.2% | 49.8% |
Salt Lake City Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Salt Lake City, Utah 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 | 18 |
| 2023 | 23 |
| 2022 | 36 |
| 2021 | 26 |
| 2020 | 25 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Salt Lake City, Utah?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Salt Lake City recorded 122 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 128 traffic deaths — an average of 25.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City has a Road Danger Score of 75/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 75% of ranked US cities. The city averages 12.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Salt Lake City?
Of Salt Lake City's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 21% involved a drinking driver, 29% involved speeding, 34% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 58% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Salt Lake City each year?
An average of 25.6 people per year died in car accidents in Salt Lake City across 2020–2024 (128 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Salt Lake City more dangerous than in other Utah cities?
Salt Lake City ranks #6 of 36 ranked Utah cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #534 of 2,153 nationally.