Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Madison, WI recorded 75 traffic deaths in 69 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 5.3 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 29/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 29% of ranked US cities (#16 of 39 in Wisconsin, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Madison, Wisconsin?
Madison has a Road Danger Score of 29/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 69 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 75 people — 5.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Madison ranks #16 out of 39 ranked cities in Wisconsin and #1,534 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 29% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Madison's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 45% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Madison fell 3% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Madison’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 69 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Madison | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 21 | 30.4% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 31 | 44.9% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 22 | 31.9% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 39 | 56.5% | 49.8% |
Madison Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Madison, 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 | 13 |
| 2023 | 17 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2020 | 14 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Madison, Wisconsin?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Madison recorded 69 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 75 traffic deaths — an average of 15.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Madison?
Madison has a Road Danger Score of 29/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 29% of ranked US cities. The city averages 5.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Madison?
Of Madison's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 30% involved a drinking driver, 45% involved speeding, 32% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 57% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Madison each year?
An average of 15.0 people per year died in car accidents in Madison across 2020–2024 (75 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Madison more dangerous than in other Wisconsin cities?
Madison ranks #16 of 39 ranked Wisconsin cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,534 of 2,153 nationally.