Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Plainfield, NJ recorded 11 traffic deaths in 11 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 (#5 of 5 in New Jersey, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Plainfield, New Jersey?
Plainfield 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 11 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 11 people — 3.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Plainfield ranks #5 out of 5 ranked cities in New Jersey 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 Plainfield's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 55% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
What’s Behind Plainfield’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 | Plainfield | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 2 | 18.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 6 | 54.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 6 | 54.5% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 5 | 45.5% | 49.8% |
Plainfield Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Plainfield, New Jersey 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 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Plainfield, New Jersey?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Plainfield recorded 11 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 11 traffic deaths — an average of 2.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Plainfield?
Plainfield 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 Plainfield?
Of Plainfield's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 18% involved a drinking driver, 55% involved speeding, 55% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 46% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Plainfield each year?
An average of 2.2 people per year died in car accidents in Plainfield across 2020–2024 (11 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Plainfield more dangerous than in other New Jersey cities?
Plainfield ranks #5 of 5 ranked New Jersey cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,773 of 2,153 nationally.