Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Washington recorded 3,530 traffic deaths in 3,253 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 9.1 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #40 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths (5-Yr Total)
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
Washington Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous Washington Cities to Drive In
All 55 ranked Washington cities by Road Danger Score (5-year traffic deaths per 100,000 residents, most dangerous first).
| # | City | Danger Score | Deaths (5-Yr) | Deaths per 100K/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tukwila | 99/100 | 34 | 32.5 |
| 2 | Shelton | 84/100 | 8 | 14.6 |
| 3 | Kelso | 83/100 | 9 | 14.3 |
| 4 | Tacoma | 80/100 | 148 | 13.2 |
| 5 | Everett | 79/100 | 72 | 12.9 |
| 6 | Auburn | 77/100 | 52 | 12.6 |
| 7 | Puyallup | 72/100 | 24 | 11.5 |
| 8 | Federal Way | 70/100 | 54 | 11.2 |
| 9 | Kent | 68/100 | 71 | 10.7 |
| 10 | Lakewood | 63/100 | 30 | 9.7 |
| 11 | Fife | 61/100 | 5 | 9.4 |
| 12 | Tumwater | 61/100 | 13 | 9.4 |
| 13 | Gig Harbor | 60/100 | 6 | 9.4 |
| 14 | Yakima | 59/100 | 44 | 9.1 |
| 15 | Spokane | 57/100 | 102 | 8.9 |
| 16 | Renton | 50/100 | 41 | 7.9 |
| 17 | Longview | 46/100 | 14 | 7.4 |
| 18 | Vancouver | 45/100 | 71 | 7.2 |
| 19 | Richland | 45/100 | 23 | 7.1 |
| 20 | Spokane Valley | 45/100 | 39 | 7.1 |
| 21 | Anacortes | 41/100 | 6 | 6.6 |
| 22 | Pasco | 40/100 | 26 | 6.4 |
| 23 | Burien | 39/100 | 16 | 6.4 |
| 24 | Des Moines | 39/100 | 10 | 6.3 |
| 25 | Ferndale | 38/100 | 5 | 6.1 |
| 26 | Lacey | 37/100 | 18 | 6.1 |
| 27 | Bremerton | 37/100 | 14 | 6.1 |
| 28 | Aberdeen | 36/100 | 5 | 5.9 |
| 29 | Olympia | 34/100 | 16 | 5.7 |
| 30 | Mountlake Terrace | 32/100 | 6 | 5.6 |
| 31 | Arlington | 32/100 | 6 | 5.6 |
| 32 | Bothell | 31/100 | 14 | 5.5 |
| 33 | Bellingham | 31/100 | 26 | 5.4 |
| 34 | Lake Stevens | 30/100 | 11 | 5.4 |
| 35 | Port Orchard | 29/100 | 5 | 5.3 |
| 36 | Battle Ground | 29/100 | 6 | 5.3 |
| 37 | Kennewick | 27/100 | 22 | 5.1 |
| 38 | Seattle | 26/100 | 190 | 5.0 |
| 39 | Lynnwood | 24/100 | 11 | 4.8 |
| 40 | Bainbridge Island | 20/100 | 5 | 4.2 |
| 41 | Mount Vernon | 18/100 | 7 | 4.0 |
| 42 | Moses Lake | 17/100 | 5 | 3.8 |
| 43 | Issaquah | 13/100 | 6 | 3.1 |
| 44 | Marysville | 12/100 | 11 | 3.0 |
| 45 | Camas | 11/100 | 4 | 2.9 |
| 46 | Shoreline | 11/100 | 9 | 2.9 |
| 47 | Walla Walla | 6/100 | 3 | 1.8 |
| 48 | Wenatchee | 5/100 | 3 | 1.7 |
| 49 | Kirkland | 5/100 | 7 | 1.5 |
| 50 | Redmond | 4/100 | 6 | 1.5 |
| 51 | Maple Valley | 4/100 | 2 | 1.4 |
| 52 | Bellevue | 4/100 | 10 | 1.3 |
| 53 | Pullman | 2/100 | 1 | 0.6 |
| 54 | Edmonds | 1/100 | 1 | 0.5 |
| 55 | Sammamish | 1/100 | 1 | 0.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in Washington?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 3,253 fatal car accidents in Washington over the most recent five-year period, killing 3,530 people — an average of 706 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are Washington roads compared to other states?
Washington averages 9.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #40 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in Washington?
Of Washington's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 30% involved a drinking driver, 32% involved speeding, and 48% happened in dark conditions.
Which Washington city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked Washington cities, Tukwila has the highest Road Danger Score (99/100) at 32.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.