Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, West Haven, CT recorded 23 traffic deaths in 20 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 8.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 54/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 54% of ranked US cities (#31 of 59 in Connecticut, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in West Haven, Connecticut?
West Haven has a Road Danger Score of 54/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 20 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 23 people — 8.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
West Haven ranks #31 out of 59 ranked cities in Connecticut and #991 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 54% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in West Haven's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 80% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in West Haven rose 43% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind West Haven’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 20 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | West Haven | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 7 | 35.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 7 | 35.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 7 | 35.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 16 | 80.0% | 49.8% |
West Haven Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in West Haven, 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 | 9 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in West Haven, Connecticut?
According to NHTSA FARS data, West Haven recorded 20 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 23 traffic deaths — an average of 4.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in West Haven?
West Haven has a Road Danger Score of 54/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 54% of ranked US cities. The city averages 8.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in West Haven?
Of West Haven's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 35% involved a drinking driver, 35% involved speeding, 35% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 80% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in West Haven each year?
An average of 4.6 people per year died in car accidents in West Haven across 2020–2024 (23 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in West Haven more dangerous than in other Connecticut cities?
West Haven ranks #31 of 59 ranked Connecticut cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #991 of 2,153 nationally.