Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Vancouver, WA recorded 71 traffic deaths in 68 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 7.2 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 45/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 45% of ranked US cities (#18 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 Vancouver, Washington?
Vancouver has a Road Danger Score of 45/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 68 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 71 people — 7.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Vancouver ranks #18 out of 55 ranked cities in Washington and #1,186 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 45% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Vancouver's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 41% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Vancouver rose 46% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Vancouver’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 68 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Vancouver | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 22 | 32.4% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 20 | 29.4% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 28 | 41.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 38 | 55.9% | 49.8% |
Vancouver Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Vancouver, 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 | 18 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2022 | 12 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2020 | 15 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Vancouver, Washington?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Vancouver recorded 68 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 71 traffic deaths — an average of 14.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Vancouver?
Vancouver has a Road Danger Score of 45/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 45% of ranked US cities. The city averages 7.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Vancouver?
Of Vancouver's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 32% involved a drinking driver, 29% involved speeding, 41% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 56% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Vancouver each year?
An average of 14.2 people per year died in car accidents in Vancouver over the most recent five-year period (71 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Vancouver more dangerous than in other Washington cities?
Vancouver ranks #18 of 55 ranked Washington cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,186 of 2,153 nationally.