New Mexico Car Accident Statistics – Traffic Fatalities NM [2025]

As cities grow, there are more cars on the road. Unfortunately, that can mean more deaths resulting from traffic accidents, including drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. New Mexico, especially in areas around Albuquerque, is known for being especially deadly. The following New Mexico car accident statistics about traffic fatalities demonstrates just how devastating the reality is.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash, a local car accident lawyer in Albuquerque can help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.

NM Car Accident Fatality Statistics

New Mexico has had a rocky history with traffic fatalities in recent years. Here’s a look at the traffic fatalities in NM:

• 2018 = 392 deaths
• 2019 = 425 deaths
• 2020 = 398 deaths
• 2021 = 481 deaths
• 2022 = 467 deaths
• 2023 = 436 deaths
• 2024 = 401 deaths

Worst Traffic in New Mexico

While fatal accidents are a problem across the state, one area stands out – and not in a good way. Traffic in Albuquerque and the surrounding county went up 3.5% to 118 deaths, about a third of the overall traffic deaths in the state. While it is common for urban areas to have higher accident numbers, Albuquerque has its own problems that contribute to this.

Anyone in Santa Fe or Rio Rancho can attest to how much traffic on I-25 has increased in recent years. What feels like never-ending construction on I-40 city streets like Central Avenue will eventually alleviate some of the congestion, but for now, it creates bottlenecks on some of the area’s most traveled roads. Pedestrian traffic downtown and near the University of New Mexico means additional slowdowns in those areas, which can be dangerous for pedestrians.

If you were seriously injured in a crash, an expert personal injury lawyer in Albuquerque can guide you through the legal process and help you seek fair compensation for your losses.

Causes of Traffic Fatalities in New Mexico

Most collisions are linked to factors that decrease a driver’s reaction time, awareness of their surroundings, and ability to make quick decisions about safety. In fact, in January 2025, New Mexico was ranked as the state with the worst drivers in the US in a study by Forbes Advisor, with the third highest overall rate of fatal car accidents. The top issues were:

• Distracted driving. New Mexico has the highest rate of traffic fatalities involving distracted driving. Cell phones top the list of reasons that drivers are distracted because of the necessity to take their eyes, hands, and minds off of driving. Even looking away for a moment while driving can lead to serious consequences.
• Speeding. Driving faster than the posted speed limit is a real problem in New Mexico, which ranks second highest in deaths related to speeding. In Santa Fe, there are hotspots around I-25 South, St. Francis Drive around the Plaza, and Cordova Road, the Cerrillos Road shopping areas, The Turquoise Trail, and Airport Road.
• DWI. Drivers in New Mexico had the third highest number of fatal crashes involving driving while impaired (DWI), or operating a vehicle while under the influence of an impairing substance like alcohol, street drugs, or some prescription or over-the-counter medications. Less urban areas like Santa Fe and Milan often have higher fatalities linked to DWI, likely due to less policing and longer emergency response times.

There Is Some Good News

The good news is that we can see that overall traffic deaths have been trending downward since 2021, a result of a concerted effort to address the causes of accidents and improve safety. New Mexico’s Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division (TSD) has focused on several key areas to monitor and implement programs to improve traffic injuries and fatalities through their Driver Education and Safety Program. These include:

• DWI. Impaired driving and DWI programs highlight awareness, prevention, and intervention, as well as enforcement of New Mexico’s DWI laws.
• Texting. The DNTXT/JUSTDRIVE campaign seeks to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and reduce accidents and deaths related to cell phone use.
• Passenger safety restraints. The Occupant Protection Program distributes car seats for children, promotes the use of child safety seats and seat belts, and holds inspection and fitting events.
• Motorcycle safety. The Motorcycle Safety Program provides training to reduce motorcycle-related fatalities.
• Pedestrians and bicyclists. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program focuses on outreach and education about how pedestrians and bicyclists can stay safer themselves.

FAQs About New Mexico Car Accident Law

Which State Has the Highest Car Accident Rate?

According to The Zebra, Texas has the highest car accident rate at 4,068 accidents, in part because of its large population and overall size. However, if you look at car accidents against the population of the state, Mississippi is the highest with 25.4 deaths per 100,000 state residents. Another metric that is often used is deaths per mile traveled. South Carolina has the highest rate at 1.97 deaths per mile traveled.

Is New Mexico a Fault State?

Yes, New Mexico is a fault state and uses the pure comparative negligence rule, which means each party in a car accident can be assigned a portion of the fault. For example, drivers in a car accident may be assigned 40% and 60% fault. Each party can recover damages according to the portion of fault they are assigned.

How Many DWIs Occur in New Mexico Each Year?

According to the most recent report by the New Mexico Department of Transportation (DOT), there are about 8,500 DWI arrests each year in the state, about 2,000 alcohol-involved accidents, and around 150 of those accidents include fatalities. The Albuquerque area accounts for close to a quarter of all arrests and a third of alcohol-related accidents. Arrests are highest among drivers aged 21-39, and about 60% of arrests end in conviction.

How Does Weather in NM Affect Traffic Deaths?

Weather doesn’t affect NM traffic deaths as much as some other states. New Mexico is generally warm and dry, especially compared to states with a lot of rain, snow, and ice that create dangerous road conditions and wreak havoc on pavement. However, monsoons in the summer can create slick roads and standing water. Northern areas like Santa Fe can see significant snow and ice, and spring dust storms in the southern part of the state can reduce visibility.

Contact Youngers Law

Traffic deaths are more than just statistics – those numbers represent real people’s lives. If you’ve lost a loved one in a car accident in New Mexico, the party or parties at fault need to be held accountable. The compassionate legal team at Youngers Law can help you take that crucial step. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.