Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Sanford, ME recorded 11 traffic deaths in 10 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 9.8 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 64/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 64% of ranked US cities (#9 of 16 in Maine, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Sanford, Maine?
Sanford has a Road Danger Score of 64/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 10 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 11 people — 9.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Sanford ranks #9 out of 16 ranked cities in Maine and #773 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 64% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Sanford's fatal crashes: drinking driver involved — 50% of fatal crashes, versus 26% nationally.
What’s Behind Sanford’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 10 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Sanford | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 5 | 50.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 0 | 0.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 1 | 10.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 3 | 30.0% | 49.8% |
Sanford Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Sanford, 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 | 0 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2020 | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Sanford, Maine?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Sanford recorded 10 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 11 traffic deaths — an average of 2.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Sanford?
Sanford has a Road Danger Score of 64/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 64% of ranked US cities. The city averages 9.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Sanford?
Of Sanford's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 50% involved a drinking driver, 0% involved speeding, 10% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 30% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Sanford each year?
An average of 2.2 people per year died in car accidents in Sanford across 2020–2024 (11 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Sanford more dangerous than in other Maine cities?
Sanford ranks #9 of 16 ranked Maine cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #773 of 2,153 nationally.