Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Boston, MA recorded 116 traffic deaths in 109 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 3.5 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 15/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 15% of ranked US cities (#89 of 116 in Massachusetts, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Boston, Massachusetts?
Boston has a Road Danger Score of 15/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 109 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 116 people — 3.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Boston ranks #89 out of 116 ranked cities in Massachusetts and #1,838 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 15% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Boston's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 48% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Boston fell 4% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Boston’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 109 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Boston | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 30 | 27.5% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 28 | 25.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 52 | 47.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 59 | 54.1% | 49.8% |
Boston Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Boston, Massachusetts 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 | 27 |
| 2023 | 18 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2021 | 29 |
| 2020 | 18 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Boston, Massachusetts?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Boston recorded 109 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 116 traffic deaths — an average of 23.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Boston?
Boston has a Road Danger Score of 15/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 15% of ranked US cities. The city averages 3.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Boston?
Of Boston's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 28% involved a drinking driver, 26% involved speeding, 48% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 54% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Boston each year?
An average of 23.2 people per year died in car accidents in Boston across 2020–2024 (116 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Boston more dangerous than in other Massachusetts cities?
Boston ranks #89 of 116 ranked Massachusetts cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,838 of 2,153 nationally.