Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, La Crosse, WI recorded 7 traffic deaths in 7 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 2.8 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 10/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 10% of ranked US cities (#30 of 39 in Wisconsin, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in La Crosse, Wisconsin?
La Crosse has a Road Danger Score of 10/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 7 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 7 people — 2.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
La Crosse ranks #30 out of 39 ranked cities in Wisconsin and #1,947 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 10% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in La Crosse's fatal crashes: drinking driver involved — 43% of fatal crashes, versus 26% nationally.
What’s Behind La Crosse’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 7 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | La Crosse | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 3 | 42.9% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 3 | 42.9% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 0 | 0.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 2 | 28.6% | 49.8% |
La Crosse Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in La Crosse, Wisconsin 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 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for La Crosse, Wisconsin?
According to NHTSA FARS data, La Crosse recorded 7 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 7 traffic deaths — an average of 1.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in La Crosse?
La Crosse has a Road Danger Score of 10/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 10% of ranked US cities. The city averages 2.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in La Crosse?
Of La Crosse's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 43% involved a drinking driver, 43% involved speeding, 0% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 29% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in La Crosse each year?
An average of 1.4 people per year died in car accidents in La Crosse over the most recent five-year period (7 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in La Crosse more dangerous than in other Wisconsin cities?
La Crosse ranks #30 of 39 ranked Wisconsin cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,947 of 2,153 nationally.