Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Salem, MA recorded 9 traffic deaths in 8 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 3.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 18/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 18% of ranked US cities (#84 of 116 in Massachusetts, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Salem, Massachusetts?
Salem has a Road Danger Score of 18/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 8 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 9 people — 3.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Salem ranks #84 out of 116 ranked cities in Massachusetts and #1,773 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 18% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Salem's fatal crashes: drinking driver involved — 63% of fatal crashes, versus 26% nationally.
What’s Behind Salem’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 8 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Salem | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 5 | 62.5% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 5 | 62.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 2 | 25.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 5 | 62.5% | 49.8% |
Salem Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Salem, 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 | 0 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Salem, Massachusetts?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Salem recorded 8 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 9 traffic deaths — an average of 1.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Salem?
Salem has a Road Danger Score of 18/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 18% of ranked US cities. The city averages 3.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Salem?
Of Salem's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 63% involved a drinking driver, 63% involved speeding, 25% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 63% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Salem each year?
An average of 1.8 people per year died in car accidents in Salem across 2020–2024 (9 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Salem more dangerous than in other Massachusetts cities?
Salem ranks #84 of 116 ranked Massachusetts cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,773 of 2,153 nationally.