Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Springfield, IL recorded 64 traffic deaths in 63 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 11.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 72/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 72% of ranked US cities (#27 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 Springfield, Illinois?
Springfield has a Road Danger Score of 72/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 63 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 64 people — 11.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Springfield ranks #27 out of 147 ranked cities in Illinois and #599 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 72% of ranked US cities.
Traffic deaths in Springfield rose 70% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Springfield’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 63 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Springfield | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 20 | 31.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 21 | 33.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 15 | 23.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 31 | 49.2% | 49.8% |
Springfield Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Springfield, 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 | 14 |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2020 | 8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Springfield, Illinois?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Springfield recorded 63 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 64 traffic deaths — an average of 12.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Springfield?
Springfield has a Road Danger Score of 72/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 72% of ranked US cities. The city averages 11.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Springfield?
Of Springfield's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 32% involved a drinking driver, 33% involved speeding, 24% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 49% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Springfield each year?
An average of 12.8 people per year died in car accidents in Springfield over the most recent five-year period (64 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Springfield more dangerous than in other Illinois cities?
Springfield ranks #27 of 147 ranked Illinois cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #599 of 2,153 nationally.