Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Melbourne, FL recorded 87 traffic deaths in 79 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 20.8 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 95/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 95% of ranked US cities (#19 of 122 in Florida, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Melbourne, Florida?
Melbourne has a Road Danger Score of 95/100 (High Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 79 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 87 people — 20.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Melbourne ranks #19 out of 122 ranked cities in Florida and #99 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 95% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Melbourne's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 34% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Melbourne rose 60% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Melbourne’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 79 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Melbourne | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 10 | 12.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 2 | 2.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 27 | 34.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 42 | 53.2% | 49.8% |
Melbourne Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Melbourne, 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 | 19 |
| 2023 | 21 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2020 | 13 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Melbourne, Florida?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Melbourne recorded 79 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 87 traffic deaths — an average of 17.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Melbourne?
Melbourne has a Road Danger Score of 95/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 95% of ranked US cities. The city averages 20.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Melbourne?
Of Melbourne's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 13% involved a drinking driver, 3% involved speeding, 34% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 53% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Melbourne each year?
An average of 17.4 people per year died in car accidents in Melbourne over the most recent five-year period (87 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Melbourne more dangerous than in other Florida cities?
Melbourne ranks #19 of 122 ranked Florida cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #99 of 2,153 nationally.