Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Utica, NY recorded 20 traffic deaths in 19 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 6.3 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 39/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 39% of ranked US cities (#51 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 Utica, New York?
Utica has a Road Danger Score of 39/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 19 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 20 people — 6.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Utica ranks #51 out of 90 ranked cities in New York and #1,317 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 39% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Utica's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 74% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Utica rose 13% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Utica’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 19 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Utica | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 7 | 36.8% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 7 | 36.8% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 7 | 36.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 14 | 73.7% | 49.8% |
Utica Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Utica, 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 | 2 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2020 | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Utica, New York?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Utica recorded 19 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 20 traffic deaths — an average of 4.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Utica?
Utica has a Road Danger Score of 39/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 39% of ranked US cities. The city averages 6.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Utica?
Of Utica's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 37% involved a drinking driver, 37% involved speeding, 37% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 74% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Utica each year?
An average of 4.0 people per year died in car accidents in Utica across 2020–2024 (20 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Utica more dangerous than in other New York cities?
Utica ranks #51 of 90 ranked New York cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,317 of 2,153 nationally.