Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Southfield, MI recorded 42 traffic deaths in 38 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 11.1 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 70/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 70% of ranked US cities (#9 of 62 in Michigan, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Southfield, Michigan?
Southfield has a Road Danger Score of 70/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 38 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 42 people — 11.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Southfield ranks #9 out of 62 ranked cities in Michigan and #643 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 70% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Southfield's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 63% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Southfield fell 33% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Southfield’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 38 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Southfield | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 12 | 31.6% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 12 | 31.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 12 | 31.6% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 24 | 63.2% | 49.8% |
Southfield Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Southfield, 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 | 9 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2020 | 6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Southfield, Michigan?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Southfield recorded 38 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 42 traffic deaths — an average of 8.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Southfield?
Southfield has a Road Danger Score of 70/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 70% of ranked US cities. The city averages 11.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Southfield?
Of Southfield's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 32% involved a drinking driver, 32% involved speeding, 32% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 63% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Southfield each year?
An average of 8.4 people per year died in car accidents in Southfield across 2020–2024 (42 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Southfield more dangerous than in other Michigan cities?
Southfield ranks #9 of 62 ranked Michigan cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #643 of 2,153 nationally.