Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Bellingham, WA recorded 26 traffic deaths in 24 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 5.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 31/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 31% of ranked US cities (#32 of 55 in Washington, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Bellingham, Washington?
Bellingham has a Road Danger Score of 31/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 24 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 26 people — 5.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Bellingham ranks #32 out of 55 ranked cities in Washington and #1,491 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 31% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Bellingham's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 50% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Bellingham fell 0% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Bellingham’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 24 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Bellingham | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 7 | 29.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 5 | 20.8% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 12 | 50.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 17 | 70.8% | 49.8% |
Bellingham Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Bellingham, Washington 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 | 6 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2020 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Bellingham, Washington?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Bellingham recorded 24 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 26 traffic deaths — an average of 5.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Bellingham?
Bellingham has a Road Danger Score of 31/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 31% of ranked US cities. The city averages 5.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Bellingham?
Of Bellingham's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 29% involved a drinking driver, 21% involved speeding, 50% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 71% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Bellingham each year?
An average of 5.2 people per year died in car accidents in Bellingham over the most recent five-year period (26 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Bellingham more dangerous than in other Washington cities?
Bellingham ranks #32 of 55 ranked Washington cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,491 of 2,153 nationally.