Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, South Salt Lake, UT recorded 20 traffic deaths in 19 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 15.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 86/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 86% of ranked US cities (#3 of 36 in Utah, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in South Salt Lake, Utah?
South Salt Lake has a Road Danger Score of 86/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 19 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 20 people — 15.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
South Salt Lake ranks #3 out of 36 ranked cities in Utah and #295 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 86% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in South Salt Lake's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 47% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in South Salt Lake rose 67% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind South Salt Lake’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 19 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | South Salt Lake | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 2 | 10.5% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 5 | 26.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 9 | 47.4% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 9 | 47.4% | 49.8% |
South Salt Lake Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in South Salt Lake, 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 | 5 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in South Salt Lake, Utah?
According to NHTSA FARS data, South Salt Lake recorded 19 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 20 traffic deaths — an average of 4.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in South Salt Lake?
South Salt Lake has a Road Danger Score of 86/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 86% of ranked US cities. The city averages 15.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in South Salt Lake?
Of South Salt Lake's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 11% involved a drinking driver, 26% involved speeding, 47% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 47% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in South Salt Lake each year?
An average of 4.0 people per year died in car accidents in South Salt Lake across 2020–2024 (20 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in South Salt Lake more dangerous than in other Utah cities?
South Salt Lake ranks #3 of 36 ranked Utah cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #295 of 2,153 nationally.