Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Meridian, MS recorded 32 traffic deaths in 30 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 17.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 90/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 90% of ranked US cities (#7 of 28 in Mississippi, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Meridian, Mississippi?
Meridian has a Road Danger Score of 90/100 (High Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 30 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 32 people — 17.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Meridian ranks #7 out of 28 ranked cities in Mississippi and #208 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 90% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Meridian's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 43% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Meridian fell 15% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Meridian’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 30 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Meridian | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 9 | 30.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 9 | 30.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 13 | 43.3% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 20 | 66.7% | 49.8% |
Meridian Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Meridian, Mississippi 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 | 5 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2020 | 8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Meridian, Mississippi?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Meridian recorded 30 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 32 traffic deaths — an average of 6.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Meridian?
Meridian has a Road Danger Score of 90/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 90% of ranked US cities. The city averages 17.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Meridian?
Of Meridian's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 30% involved a drinking driver, 30% involved speeding, 43% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 67% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Meridian each year?
An average of 6.4 people per year died in car accidents in Meridian over the most recent five-year period (32 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Meridian more dangerous than in other Mississippi cities?
Meridian ranks #7 of 28 ranked Mississippi cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #208 of 2,153 nationally.