Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Spokane, WA recorded 102 traffic deaths in 97 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 8.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 57/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 57% of ranked US cities (#15 of 55 in Washington, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Spokane, Washington?
Spokane has a Road Danger Score of 57/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 97 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 102 people — 8.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Spokane ranks #15 out of 55 ranked cities in Washington and #925 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 57% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Spokane's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 44% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Spokane fell 7% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Spokane’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 97 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Spokane | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 22 | 22.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 21 | 21.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 43 | 44.3% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 56 | 57.7% | 49.8% |
Spokane Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Spokane, 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 | 22 |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2021 | 27 |
| 2020 | 18 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Spokane, Washington?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Spokane recorded 97 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 102 traffic deaths — an average of 20.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Spokane?
Spokane has a Road Danger Score of 57/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 57% of ranked US cities. The city averages 8.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Spokane?
Of Spokane's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 23% involved a drinking driver, 22% involved speeding, 44% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 58% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Spokane each year?
An average of 20.4 people per year died in car accidents in Spokane across 2020–2024 (102 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Spokane more dangerous than in other Washington cities?
Spokane ranks #15 of 55 ranked Washington cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #925 of 2,153 nationally.