There are approximately 623,955 registered vehicles in New Mexico. This does not account for the countless tourist visiting the “Land of Enchantment.” There are plenty of great reasons to travel throughout the state. It is truly beautiful and there is a lot to see. Although they do not all share the road at once, with so many vehicles in operation there are an abundance of opportunities for fatal car accidents in New Mexico.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an average of 3,700 people die every day in vehicle accidents across the United States. In 2020, there were 365 fatal car accidents in New Mexico. Learn more about how these occur and keep up with the latest news, including fatal car accidents in New Mexico yesterday and today.
Each year, 1.35 million people are killed on roadways around the world. There are countless reasons that car accidents occur, but the large majority of the time, the root cause is driver error. New Mexico tends to sit in the middle when it comes to most national driving statistics. But in 2018 New Mexico ranked fifth highest for driving fatalities.
On this page, we strive to keep the community up to date on the most recent car accidents that have occurred in New Mexico. If you’re looking for information about serious or even fatal car accidents in New Mexico from yesterday, today, or the recent past, review our detailed news recaps below.
Distracted driving ranks as one of the most common reasons fatal car accidents occur. In 2019 and 2020, New Mexico was rated highest for distracted driving as reported by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. For every 100,000 drivers, the state reported 10 distracted driving fatalities which total 38 percent of all fatal crashes in the state. Distractions include things like:
With the addition of smartphones, a fatal car accident in New Mexico today could be attributed to any number of mobile distractions.
There are some factors that will always increase the probability of accidents. Some other common causes of fatal accidents include
In some cases, road and weather conditions may also be a factor. Icy or wet roads may prevent tires from being able to grip the road. Roads that are poorly maintained and have potholes or lack traffic signs can also lead to serious vehicle accidents. When it comes to roads in New Mexico, 34% are rated as being in poor condition.
It may seem like there are new accidents every day. 2022 was a year with quite a few fatal car accidents. Here are the statistics according to the New Mexico Department of transportation:
The number of total accidents in 2022 is down by 14 from 2021.
Below, you’ll find up-to-date information on fatal car accidents in New Mexico, which can shed light on what actions to take should you find yourself in these types of situations. Please remember to drive carefully for your sake and others.
If you or a loved one suffers injury in an accident, reach out to our compassionate and knowlegedable attorneys at Flores, Tawney & Acosta. We can help you understand your options and take the burden of seeking just compensation off your plate. Contact us today to learn more.
New Mexico – A serious two-vehicle crash in Sunland Park, New Mexico, on Monday night, March 17, 2025, left one person with severe injuries. According to the Sunland Park Fire Department, the accident occurred at the intersection of McNutt Road and Poplar Drive. Emergency responders from Sunland Park Fire and Doña Ana County Fire Rescue arrived on the scene,...
Continue ReadingNew Mexico – Albuquerque, New Mexico police are investigating a tragic crash that resulted in two fatalities near 98th St. and Rio Clara Ave. on Monday night, March 10, 2025. Authorities responded to the scene around 8:40 p.m. after reports of a collision involving a Honda Odyssey and a motorcycle. According to police, the Honda was at a stop...
Continue ReadingNew Mexico – A powerful dust storm swept through Chaves County, New Mexico, on Monday, March 4, 2025, leading to hazardous driving conditions and multiple crashes, including a 21-car pileup. The Chaves County Sheriff’s Office reported that several accidents occurred due to near-zero visibility, with injuries confirmed. Southbound Highway 285 and various county roads were temporarily shut down as...
Continue ReadingLas Cruces, NM- A tragic rollover crash in Las Cruces on Thursday, February 13, 2025, claimed the life of a 24-year-old woman, according to the Las Cruces Police Department. The incident occurred just before 3:30 p.m. at the intersection of Griggs Avenue and Hermosa Street. Authorities report that a car traveling west on Griggs struck an SUV heading south...
Continue ReadingLas Cruces, NM – A tragic chain-reaction crash on Interstate 10 in Las Cruces, NM, claimed the life of a 35-year-old El Paso resident on Friday, January 31, 2025. According to New Mexico State Police, the accident occurred around 4 p.m. near mile marker 140, close to the Mesilla turnoff. Authorities reported that a semi-truck entered a construction zone...
Continue Reading[El Paso, TX] – A four-vehicle crash on Saturday, January 18, 2025, caused significant disruption on Interstate 10 West near the Downtown exit in El Paso, TX. The incident, which occurred just before 2 a.m., left three people injured, including one with serious injuries, according to police. The westbound lanes of I-10 at the Downtown exit remained closed for...
Continue Reading[El Paso, TX]: A tragic three-vehicle collision early Sunday morning in Northeast El Paso, TX claimed one life, according to police. The crash occurred at approximately 7 a.m. on Sunday, January 12, 2025, near Gateway North Boulevard and Sean Haggerty Drive. Involving a car, a pickup, and an SUV, the accident prompted the closure of all lanes on Gateway...
Continue ReadingEl Paso, TX – In the early hours of Wednesday, January 1, 2025, a crash at Joe Battle and Vista Del Sol in far East El Paso resulted in the death of one individual. According to El Paso Fire dispatch and police, the incident occurred shortly before 4 a.m. and may have involved multiple vehicles, although details remain unconfirmed....
Continue ReadingEl Paso, TX – A tragic accident in East El Paso claimed the life of a 54-year-old woman early Friday morning, December 13, 2024. The incident occurred around 5:30 a.m. on December 13, when the woman attempted to cross Loop 375 near the Pebble Hills Boulevard on-ramp. Authorities reported that she was first struck by a 2007 Chevy Silverado...
Continue ReadingRio Rancho, NM – A tragic accident near King Road and Sheba Drive Northwest in Rio Rancho, NM, on Wednesday evening, November 13, 2024, claimed the lives of two individuals and left several others in critical condition. The Rio Rancho Police Department (RRPD) reported receiving a vehicle crash notification at around 5:30 p.m., leading officers to a collision engulfed...
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