Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, New Bedford, MA recorded 31 traffic deaths in 29 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 6.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 37/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 37% of ranked US cities (#56 of 116 in Massachusetts, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in New Bedford, Massachusetts?
New Bedford has a Road Danger Score of 37/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 29 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 31 people — 6.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
New Bedford ranks #56 out of 116 ranked cities in Massachusetts and #1,360 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 37% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in New Bedford's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 59% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in New Bedford fell 20% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind New Bedford’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 29 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | New Bedford | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 9 | 31.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 9 | 31.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 7 | 24.1% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 17 | 58.6% | 49.8% |
New Bedford Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in New Bedford, 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 | 6 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 9 |
| 2020 | 6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for New Bedford, Massachusetts?
According to NHTSA FARS data, New Bedford recorded 29 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 31 traffic deaths — an average of 6.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in New Bedford?
New Bedford has a Road Danger Score of 37/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 37% of ranked US cities. The city averages 6.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in New Bedford?
Of New Bedford's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 31% involved a drinking driver, 31% involved speeding, 24% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 59% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in New Bedford each year?
An average of 6.2 people per year died in car accidents in New Bedford over the most recent five-year period (31 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in New Bedford more dangerous than in other Massachusetts cities?
New Bedford ranks #56 of 116 ranked Massachusetts cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,360 of 2,153 nationally.