Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Cortland, NY recorded 12 traffic deaths in 12 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 14.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 83/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 83% of ranked US cities (#13 of 90 in New York, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Cortland, New York?
Cortland has a Road Danger Score of 83/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 12 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 12 people — 14.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Cortland ranks #13 out of 90 ranked cities in New York and #360 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 83% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Cortland's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 58% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
What’s Behind Cortland’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 12 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Cortland | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 5 | 41.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 7 | 58.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 0 | 0.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 4 | 33.3% | 49.8% |
Cortland Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Cortland, New York 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 | 1 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Cortland, New York?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Cortland recorded 12 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 12 traffic deaths — an average of 2.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Cortland?
Cortland has a Road Danger Score of 83/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 83% of ranked US cities. The city averages 14.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Cortland?
Of Cortland's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 42% involved a drinking driver, 58% involved speeding, 0% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 33% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Cortland each year?
An average of 2.4 people per year died in car accidents in Cortland across 2020–2024 (12 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Cortland more dangerous than in other New York cities?
Cortland ranks #13 of 90 ranked New York cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #360 of 2,153 nationally.