Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Panama City, FL recorded 47 traffic deaths in 46 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 25.7 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 97/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 97% of ranked US cities (#9 of 122 in Florida, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Panama City, Florida?
Panama City has a Road Danger Score of 97/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 46 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 47 people — 25.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Panama City ranks #9 out of 122 ranked cities in Florida and #56 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 97% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Panama City's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 63% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Panama City rose 23% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Panama City’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 46 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Panama City | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 8 | 17.4% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 3 | 6.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 10 | 21.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 29 | 63.0% | 49.8% |
Panama City Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Panama City, 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 | 8 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2022 | 18 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Panama City, Florida?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Panama City recorded 46 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 47 traffic deaths — an average of 9.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Panama City?
Panama City has a Road Danger Score of 97/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 97% of ranked US cities. The city averages 25.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Panama City?
Of Panama City's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 17% involved a drinking driver, 7% involved speeding, 22% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 63% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Panama City each year?
An average of 9.4 people per year died in car accidents in Panama City across 2020–2024 (47 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Panama City more dangerous than in other Florida cities?
Panama City ranks #9 of 122 ranked Florida cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #56 of 2,153 nationally.