Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Vernal, UT recorded 13 traffic deaths in 12 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 24.3 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 97/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 97% of ranked US cities (#1 of 36 in Utah, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Vernal, Utah?
Vernal has a Road Danger Score of 97/100 (High Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 12 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 13 people — 24.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Vernal ranks #1 out of 36 ranked cities in Utah and #56 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 97% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Vernal's fatal crashes: drinking driver involved — 42% of fatal crashes, versus 26% nationally.
What’s Behind Vernal’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 12 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Vernal | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 5 | 41.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 5 | 41.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 1 | 8.3% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 5 | 41.7% | 49.8% |
Vernal Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Vernal, 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 | 3 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Vernal, Utah?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Vernal recorded 12 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 13 traffic deaths — an average of 2.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Vernal?
Vernal has a Road Danger Score of 97/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 97% of ranked US cities. The city averages 24.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Vernal?
Of Vernal's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 42% involved a drinking driver, 42% involved speeding, 8% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 42% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Vernal each year?
An average of 2.6 people per year died in car accidents in Vernal over the most recent five-year period (13 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Vernal more dangerous than in other Utah cities?
Vernal ranks #1 of 36 ranked Utah cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #56 of 2,153 nationally.