Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Royal Oak, MI recorded 14 traffic deaths in 11 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 4.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 25/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 25% of ranked US cities (#45 of 62 in Michigan, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Royal Oak, Michigan?
Royal Oak has a Road Danger Score of 25/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 11 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 14 people — 4.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Royal Oak ranks #45 out of 62 ranked cities in Michigan and #1,621 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 25% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Royal Oak's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 55% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
What’s Behind Royal Oak’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 11 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Royal Oak | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 3 | 27.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 2 | 18.2% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 6 | 54.5% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 8 | 72.7% | 49.8% |
Royal Oak Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Royal Oak, Michigan 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 | 5 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Royal Oak, Michigan?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Royal Oak recorded 11 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 14 traffic deaths — an average of 2.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Royal Oak?
Royal Oak has a Road Danger Score of 25/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 25% of ranked US cities. The city averages 4.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Royal Oak?
Of Royal Oak's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 27% involved a drinking driver, 18% involved speeding, 55% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 73% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Royal Oak each year?
An average of 2.8 people per year died in car accidents in Royal Oak across 2020–2024 (14 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Royal Oak more dangerous than in other Michigan cities?
Royal Oak ranks #45 of 62 ranked Michigan cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,621 of 2,153 nationally.