Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Portland, ME recorded 20 traffic deaths in 19 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 5.8 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 34/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 34% of ranked US cities (#14 of 16 in Maine, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Portland, Maine?
Portland has a Road Danger Score of 34/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 19 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 20 people — 5.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Portland ranks #14 out of 16 ranked cities in Maine and #1,425 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 34% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Portland's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 37% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Portland rose 17% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Portland’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 19 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Portland | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 4 | 21.1% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 3 | 15.8% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 7 | 36.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 6 | 31.6% | 49.8% |
Portland Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Portland, Maine 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 | 3 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Portland, Maine?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Portland recorded 19 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 20 traffic deaths — an average of 4.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Portland?
Portland has a Road Danger Score of 34/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 34% of ranked US cities. The city averages 5.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Portland?
Of Portland's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 21% involved a drinking driver, 16% involved speeding, 37% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 32% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Portland each year?
An average of 4.0 people per year died in car accidents in Portland across 2020–2024 (20 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Portland more dangerous than in other Maine cities?
Portland ranks #14 of 16 ranked Maine cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,425 of 2,153 nationally.