If you live in or travel through New Mexico, knowing where car accidents happen most often could make a difference in how you approach the road. According to the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s 2024 Traffic Crash Annual Report, certain counties consistently see far more crashes and fatalities than others. Here is what the data shows.
The counties with the highest crash totals in 2024
The following counties recorded the highest number of total crashes from 2020 to 2024:
- Bernalillo: 17,733 crashes in 2024, representing 39.4% of all statewide crashes
- Doña Ana: 4,456 crashes, 9.9% of all crashes
- Santa Fe: 3,314 crashes, 7.4%
- Sandoval: 2,327 crashes, 5.2%
- San Juan: 2,178 crashes, 4.8%
- Lea: 2,064 crashes, 4.6%
- Eddy: 1,767 crashes, 3.9%
- McKinley: 1,213 crashes, 2.7%
- Valencia: 1,087 crashes, 2.4%
- Chaves: 1,043 crashes, 2.3%
When measured by crash rate based on vehicle miles traveled, Bernalillo, Doña Ana, Curry, Lea and Santa Fe counties each recorded at least 170 crashes per 100 million vehicle miles traveled. Alcohol-involved crashes followed a similar pattern, with Bernalillo, Doña Ana and San Juan counties reporting the highest numbers statewide.
Doña Ana County’s ranking is particularly significant for Las Cruces residents. Las Cruces is the county seat of Doña Ana County, which ranked second in total crashes statewide over the five-year period, with a crash rate of 200.6 per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
Which counties had the most fatalities
Fatalities in Bernalillo County rose in 2024 but remained below the decade-high levels recorded in 2021. Lea and Eddy counties saw crash-related fatalities climb to five-year highs, while McKinley County recorded a five-year low. Crash-related fatalities in Eddy, De Baca, Lea and Socorro counties also reached their highest levels in five years. In counties with the highest number of motorcyclist and pedestrian fatalities, those groups often accounted for a large share of total fatalities.
What these numbers mean for you
These numbers are a reminder that car accidents in New Mexico are not just statistics. Behind every crash is a person dealing with injuries, lost income and an uncertain recovery.
If you were involved in a crash in any of these counties, knowing your legal options is an important next step. Insurance companies often move quickly to settle claims before you fully understand your rights, and having legal representation helps make sure you are not left with less than you deserve.
Flores Mendez Law is ready to help. Contact us today at 800-381-9999 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.