Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Punta Gorda, FL recorded 8 traffic deaths in 8 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 7.7 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 49/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 49% of ranked US cities (#96 of 122 in Florida, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Punta Gorda, Florida?
Punta Gorda has a Road Danger Score of 49/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 8 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 8 people — 7.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Punta Gorda ranks #96 out of 122 ranked cities in Florida and #1,099 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 49% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Punta Gorda's fatal crashes: drinking driver involved — 38% of fatal crashes, versus 26% nationally.
What’s Behind Punta Gorda’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 8 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Punta Gorda | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 3 | 37.5% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 1 | 12.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 1 | 12.5% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 3 | 37.5% | 49.8% |
Punta Gorda Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Punta Gorda, 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 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Punta Gorda, Florida?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Punta Gorda recorded 8 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 8 traffic deaths — an average of 1.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Punta Gorda?
Punta Gorda has a Road Danger Score of 49/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 49% of ranked US cities. The city averages 7.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Punta Gorda?
Of Punta Gorda's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 38% involved a drinking driver, 13% involved speeding, 13% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 38% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Punta Gorda each year?
An average of 1.6 people per year died in car accidents in Punta Gorda across 2020–2024 (8 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Punta Gorda more dangerous than in other Florida cities?
Punta Gorda ranks #96 of 122 ranked Florida cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,099 of 2,153 nationally.