Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Moses Lake, WA recorded 5 traffic deaths in 5 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 3.8 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 17/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 17% of ranked US cities (#42 of 55 in Washington, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Moses Lake, Washington?
Moses Lake has a Road Danger Score of 17/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 5 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 5 people — 3.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Moses Lake ranks #42 out of 55 ranked cities in Washington and #1,795 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 17% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Moses Lake's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 40% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
What’s Behind Moses Lake’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 5 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Moses Lake | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 1 | 20.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 1 | 20.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 2 | 40.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 2 | 40.0% | 49.8% |
Moses Lake Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Moses Lake, 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 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Moses Lake, Washington?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Moses Lake recorded 5 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 5 traffic deaths — an average of 1.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Moses Lake?
Moses Lake has a Road Danger Score of 17/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 17% of ranked US cities. The city averages 3.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Moses Lake?
Of Moses Lake's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 20% involved a drinking driver, 20% involved speeding, 40% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 40% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Moses Lake each year?
An average of 1.0 people per year died in car accidents in Moses Lake across 2020–2024 (5 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Moses Lake more dangerous than in other Washington cities?
Moses Lake ranks #42 of 55 ranked Washington cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,795 of 2,153 nationally.