Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Schenectady, NY recorded 25 traffic deaths in 22 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 7.3 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 46/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 46% of ranked US cities (#45 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 Schenectady, New York?
Schenectady has a Road Danger Score of 46/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 22 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 25 people — 7.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Schenectady ranks #45 out of 90 ranked cities in New York and #1,164 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 46% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Schenectady's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 41% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Schenectady rose 86% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Schenectady’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 22 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Schenectady | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 3 | 13.6% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 6 | 27.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 9 | 40.9% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 9 | 40.9% | 49.8% |
Schenectady Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Schenectady, 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 | 10 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2020 | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Schenectady, New York?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Schenectady recorded 22 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 25 traffic deaths — an average of 5.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Schenectady?
Schenectady has a Road Danger Score of 46/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 46% of ranked US cities. The city averages 7.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Schenectady?
Of Schenectady's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 14% involved a drinking driver, 27% involved speeding, 41% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 41% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Schenectady each year?
An average of 5.0 people per year died in car accidents in Schenectady across 2020–2024 (25 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Schenectady more dangerous than in other New York cities?
Schenectady ranks #45 of 90 ranked New York cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,164 of 2,153 nationally.