DEMING – New Mexico’s roads have seen some improvement, but they remain among the deadliest in the country, according to newly released figures from the state Department of Transportation.
KOAT-TV reports that the data highlights several problem areas, with the intersection at Louisiana and Central in Albuquerque ranked the most dangerous for pedestrians. Observers noted multiple instances of near-misses involving cars and pedestrians. The intersection at Coors and Iliff, just south of I-40, recorded three fatal crashes in 2024, making it the deadliest for drivers last year.
The report also shows the I-40 and 4th Street interchange as the location with the highest number of crashes statewide, with 362 collisions in 2024 — nearly one per day. These numbers contribute to New Mexico’s ranking as number one nationally in pedestrian traffic fatalities and number three in overall crash fatalities.
Transportation Secretary Ricky Serna said the department is working to identify hotspots and the underlying causes of fatal crashes. He stressed the importance of collaboration with municipalities, especially on roads not directly managed by the state, to implement countermeasures and improve safety.
The department has secured federal funding for expanded crash data collection and continues to pursue additional resources to tackle what it calls a pressing public safety issue on New Mexico’s roads.