Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Panama City Beach, FL recorded 32 traffic deaths in 31 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 50.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 100/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 100% of ranked US cities (#1 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 Panama City Beach, Florida?
Panama City Beach has a Road Danger Score of 100/100 (High Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 31 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 32 people — 50.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Panama City Beach ranks #1 out of 122 ranked cities in Florida and #1 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 100% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Panama City Beach's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 42% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Panama City Beach fell 21% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Panama City Beach’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 31 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Panama City Beach | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 3 | 9.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 1 | 3.2% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 13 | 41.9% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 20 | 64.5% | 49.8% |
Panama City Beach Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Panama City Beach, 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 | 9 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2020 | 6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Panama City Beach, Florida?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Panama City Beach recorded 31 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 32 traffic deaths — an average of 6.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Panama City Beach?
Panama City Beach has a Road Danger Score of 100/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 100% of ranked US cities. The city averages 50.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Panama City Beach?
Of Panama City Beach's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 10% involved a drinking driver, 3% involved speeding, 42% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 65% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Panama City Beach each year?
An average of 6.4 people per year died in car accidents in Panama City Beach over the most recent five-year period (32 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Panama City Beach more dangerous than in other Florida cities?
Panama City Beach ranks #1 of 122 ranked Florida cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1 of 2,153 nationally.