Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Watertown, NY recorded 7 traffic deaths in 7 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 5.8 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 35/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 35% of ranked US cities (#55 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 Watertown, New York?
Watertown has a Road Danger Score of 35/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 7 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 7 people — 5.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Watertown ranks #55 out of 90 ranked cities in New York and #1,404 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 35% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Watertown's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 57% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
What’s Behind Watertown’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 7 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Watertown | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 1 | 14.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 1 | 14.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 4 | 57.1% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 2 | 28.6% | 49.8% |
Watertown Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Watertown, 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 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Watertown, New York?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Watertown recorded 7 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 7 traffic deaths — an average of 1.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Watertown?
Watertown has a Road Danger Score of 35/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 35% of ranked US cities. The city averages 5.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Watertown?
Of Watertown's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 14% involved a drinking driver, 14% involved speeding, 57% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 29% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Watertown each year?
An average of 1.4 people per year died in car accidents in Watertown over the most recent five-year period (7 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Watertown more dangerous than in other New York cities?
Watertown ranks #55 of 90 ranked New York cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,404 of 2,153 nationally.