Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Clearwater, FL recorded 64 traffic deaths in 61 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 10.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 69/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 69% of ranked US cities (#71 of 122 in Florida, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Clearwater, Florida?
Clearwater has a Road Danger Score of 69/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 61 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 64 people — 10.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Clearwater ranks #71 out of 122 ranked cities in Florida and #664 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 69% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Clearwater's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 43% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Clearwater rose 29% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Clearwater’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 61 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Clearwater | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 11 | 18.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 11 | 18.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 26 | 42.6% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 30 | 49.2% | 49.8% |
Clearwater Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Clearwater, Florida 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 | 17 |
| 2023 | 14 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Clearwater, Florida?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Clearwater recorded 61 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 64 traffic deaths — an average of 12.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Clearwater?
Clearwater has a Road Danger Score of 69/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 69% of ranked US cities. The city averages 10.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Clearwater?
Of Clearwater's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 18% involved a drinking driver, 18% involved speeding, 43% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 49% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Clearwater each year?
An average of 12.8 people per year died in car accidents in Clearwater across 2020–2024 (64 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Clearwater more dangerous than in other Florida cities?
Clearwater ranks #71 of 122 ranked Florida cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #664 of 2,153 nationally.