Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Ithaca, NY recorded 10 traffic deaths in 10 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 5.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 36/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 36% of ranked US cities (#54 of 90 in New York, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Ithaca, New York?
Ithaca has a Road Danger Score of 36/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 10 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 10 people — 5.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Ithaca ranks #54 out of 90 ranked cities in New York and #1,382 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 36% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Ithaca's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 50% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Ithaca fell 80% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Ithaca’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 | Ithaca | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 2 | 20.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 1 | 10.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 5 | 50.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 2 | 20.0% | 49.8% |
Ithaca Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Ithaca, 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 | 0 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2020 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Ithaca, New York?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Ithaca 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 Ithaca?
Ithaca has a Road Danger Score of 36/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 36% of ranked US cities. The city averages 5.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Ithaca?
Of Ithaca's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 20% involved a drinking driver, 10% involved speeding, 50% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 20% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Ithaca each year?
An average of 2.0 people per year died in car accidents in Ithaca over the most recent five-year period (10 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Ithaca more dangerous than in other New York cities?
Ithaca ranks #54 of 90 ranked New York cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,382 of 2,153 nationally.