Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Carbondale, IL recorded 13 traffic deaths in 12 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 12.1 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 76/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 76% of ranked US cities (#21 of 147 in Illinois, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Carbondale, Illinois?
Carbondale has a Road Danger Score of 76/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 12 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 13 people — 12.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Carbondale ranks #21 out of 147 ranked cities in Illinois and #512 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 76% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Carbondale's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 42% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
What’s Behind Carbondale’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 12 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Carbondale | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 3 | 25.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 4 | 33.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 5 | 41.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 8 | 66.7% | 49.8% |
Carbondale Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Carbondale, Illinois 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 | 4 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Carbondale, Illinois?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Carbondale recorded 12 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 13 traffic deaths — an average of 2.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Carbondale?
Carbondale has a Road Danger Score of 76/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 76% of ranked US cities. The city averages 12.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Carbondale?
Of Carbondale's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 25% involved a drinking driver, 33% involved speeding, 42% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 67% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Carbondale each year?
An average of 2.6 people per year died in car accidents in Carbondale over the most recent five-year period (13 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Carbondale more dangerous than in other Illinois cities?
Carbondale ranks #21 of 147 ranked Illinois cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #512 of 2,153 nationally.