Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Federal Way, WA recorded 54 traffic deaths in 50 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 11.2 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 70/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 70% of ranked US cities (#8 of 55 in Washington, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Federal Way, Washington?
Federal Way has a Road Danger Score of 70/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 50 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 54 people — 11.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Federal Way ranks #8 out of 55 ranked cities in Washington and #643 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 70% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Federal Way's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 36% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Federal Way rose 41% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Federal Way’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 50 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Federal Way | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 10 | 20.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 19 | 38.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 18 | 36.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 31 | 62.0% | 49.8% |
Federal Way Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Federal Way, 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 | 8 |
| 2023 | 16 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2020 | 7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Federal Way, Washington?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Federal Way recorded 50 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 54 traffic deaths — an average of 10.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Federal Way?
Federal Way has a Road Danger Score of 70/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 70% of ranked US cities. The city averages 11.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Federal Way?
Of Federal Way's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 20% involved a drinking driver, 38% involved speeding, 36% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 62% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Federal Way each year?
An average of 10.8 people per year died in car accidents in Federal Way across 2020–2024 (54 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Federal Way more dangerous than in other Washington cities?
Federal Way ranks #8 of 55 ranked Washington cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #643 of 2,153 nationally.