Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Baltimore, MD recorded 245 traffic deaths in 234 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 8.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 56/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 56% of ranked US cities (#2 of 10 in Maryland, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Baltimore, Maryland?
Baltimore has a Road Danger Score of 56/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 234 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 245 people — 8.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Baltimore ranks #2 out of 10 ranked cities in Maryland and #947 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 56% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Baltimore's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 47% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Baltimore fell 7% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Baltimore’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 234 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Baltimore | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 50 | 21.4% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 77 | 32.9% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 110 | 47.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 141 | 60.3% | 49.8% |
Baltimore Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Baltimore, Maryland 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 | 60 |
| 2023 | 41 |
| 2022 | 35 |
| 2021 | 44 |
| 2020 | 65 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Baltimore, Maryland?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Baltimore recorded 234 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 245 traffic deaths — an average of 49.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Baltimore?
Baltimore has a Road Danger Score of 56/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 56% of ranked US cities. The city averages 8.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Baltimore?
Of Baltimore's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 21% involved a drinking driver, 33% involved speeding, 47% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 60% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Baltimore each year?
An average of 49.0 people per year died in car accidents in Baltimore across 2020–2024 (245 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Baltimore more dangerous than in other Maryland cities?
Baltimore ranks #2 of 10 ranked Maryland cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #947 of 2,153 nationally.