Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Waterbury, CT recorded 75 traffic deaths in 70 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 13.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 79/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 79% of ranked US cities (#10 of 59 in Connecticut, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Waterbury, Connecticut?
Waterbury has a Road Danger Score of 79/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 70 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 75 people — 13.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Waterbury ranks #10 out of 59 ranked cities in Connecticut and #447 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 79% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Waterbury's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 53% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Waterbury rose 70% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Waterbury’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 70 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Waterbury | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 28 | 40.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 37 | 52.9% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 22 | 31.4% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 51 | 72.9% | 49.8% |
Waterbury Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Waterbury, Connecticut 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 | 19 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2020 | 13 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Waterbury, Connecticut?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Waterbury recorded 70 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 Waterbury?
Waterbury has a Road Danger Score of 79/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 79% of ranked US cities. The city averages 13.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Waterbury?
Of Waterbury's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 40% involved a drinking driver, 53% involved speeding, 31% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 73% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Waterbury each year?
An average of 15.0 people per year died in car accidents in Waterbury across 2020–2024 (75 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Waterbury more dangerous than in other Connecticut cities?
Waterbury ranks #10 of 59 ranked Connecticut cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #447 of 2,153 nationally.