Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Winter Haven, FL recorded 25 traffic deaths in 24 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 8.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 54/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 54% of ranked US cities (#91 of 122 in Florida, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Winter Haven, Florida?
Winter Haven has a Road Danger Score of 54/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 24 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 25 people — 8.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Winter Haven ranks #91 out of 122 ranked cities in Florida and #991 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 54% of ranked US cities.
Traffic deaths in Winter Haven rose 38% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Winter Haven’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 24 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Winter Haven | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 7 | 29.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 4 | 16.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 4 | 16.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 13 | 54.2% | 49.8% |
Winter Haven Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Winter Haven, 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 | 6 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Winter Haven, Florida?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Winter Haven recorded 24 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 25 traffic deaths — an average of 5.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Winter Haven?
Winter Haven has a Road Danger Score of 54/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 54% of ranked US cities. The city averages 8.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Winter Haven?
Of Winter Haven's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 29% involved a drinking driver, 17% involved speeding, 17% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 54% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Winter Haven each year?
An average of 5.0 people per year died in car accidents in Winter Haven across 2020–2024 (25 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Winter Haven more dangerous than in other Florida cities?
Winter Haven ranks #91 of 122 ranked Florida cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #991 of 2,153 nationally.