Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Portsmouth, NH recorded 10 traffic deaths in 10 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 8.7 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 56/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 56% of ranked US cities (#6 of 18 in New Hampshire, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Portsmouth, New Hampshire?
Portsmouth has a Road Danger Score of 56/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 10 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 10 people — 8.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Portsmouth ranks #6 out of 18 ranked cities in New Hampshire and #947 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 56% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Portsmouth's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 80% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
What’s Behind Portsmouth’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 10 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Portsmouth | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 4 | 40.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 8 | 80.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 0 | 0.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 7 | 70.0% | 49.8% |
Portsmouth Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Portsmouth, New Hampshire 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 | 3 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Portsmouth, New Hampshire?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Portsmouth recorded 10 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 10 traffic deaths — an average of 2.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Portsmouth?
Portsmouth has a Road Danger Score of 56/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 56% of ranked US cities. The city averages 8.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Portsmouth?
Of Portsmouth's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 40% involved a drinking driver, 80% involved speeding, 0% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 70% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Portsmouth each year?
An average of 2.0 people per year died in car accidents in Portsmouth over the most recent five-year period (10 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Portsmouth more dangerous than in other New Hampshire cities?
Portsmouth ranks #6 of 18 ranked New Hampshire cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #947 of 2,153 nationally.