Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Dover, DE recorded 18 traffic deaths in 18 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 9.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 58/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 58% of ranked US cities (#2 of 5 in Delaware, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Dover, Delaware?
Dover has a Road Danger Score of 58/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 18 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 18 people — 9.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Dover ranks #2 out of 5 ranked cities in Delaware and #904 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 58% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Dover's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 39% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Dover rose 50% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Dover’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 18 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Dover | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 4 | 22.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 7 | 38.9% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 4 | 22.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 7 | 38.9% | 49.8% |
Dover Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Dover, Delaware 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 | 4 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Dover, Delaware?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Dover recorded 18 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 18 traffic deaths — an average of 3.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Dover?
Dover has a Road Danger Score of 58/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 58% of ranked US cities. The city averages 9.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Dover?
Of Dover's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 22% involved a drinking driver, 39% involved speeding, 22% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 39% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Dover each year?
An average of 3.6 people per year died in car accidents in Dover over the most recent five-year period (18 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Dover more dangerous than in other Delaware cities?
Dover ranks #2 of 5 ranked Delaware cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #904 of 2,153 nationally.