Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Seattle, WA recorded 190 traffic deaths in 183 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 5.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 26/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 26% of ranked US cities (#38 of 55 in Washington, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Seattle, Washington?
Seattle has a Road Danger Score of 26/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 183 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 190 people — 5.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Seattle ranks #38 out of 55 ranked cities in Washington and #1,599 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 26% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Seattle's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 57% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Seattle rose 8% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Seattle’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 183 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Seattle | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 47 | 25.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 45 | 24.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 104 | 56.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 111 | 60.7% | 49.8% |
Seattle Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Seattle, 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 | 43 |
| 2023 | 35 |
| 2022 | 40 |
| 2021 | 44 |
| 2020 | 28 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Seattle, Washington?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Seattle recorded 183 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 190 traffic deaths — an average of 38.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Seattle?
Seattle has a Road Danger Score of 26/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 26% of ranked US cities. The city averages 5.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Seattle?
Of Seattle's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 26% involved a drinking driver, 25% involved speeding, 57% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 61% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Seattle each year?
An average of 38.0 people per year died in car accidents in Seattle across 2020–2024 (190 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Seattle more dangerous than in other Washington cities?
Seattle ranks #38 of 55 ranked Washington cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,599 of 2,153 nationally.