Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Asheville, NC recorded 89 traffic deaths in 84 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 18.7 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 92/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 92% of ranked US cities (#2 of 69 in North Carolina, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Asheville, North Carolina?
Asheville has a Road Danger Score of 92/100 (High Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 84 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 89 people — 18.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Asheville ranks #2 out of 69 ranked cities in North Carolina and #165 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 92% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Asheville's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 35% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Asheville rose 34% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Asheville’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 84 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Asheville | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 13 | 15.5% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 24 | 28.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 29 | 34.5% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 44 | 52.4% | 49.8% |
Asheville Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Asheville, North Carolina 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 | 21 |
| 2023 | 22 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2020 | 16 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Asheville, North Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Asheville recorded 84 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 89 traffic deaths — an average of 17.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Asheville?
Asheville has a Road Danger Score of 92/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 92% of ranked US cities. The city averages 18.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Asheville?
Of Asheville's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 16% involved a drinking driver, 29% involved speeding, 35% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 52% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Asheville each year?
An average of 17.8 people per year died in car accidents in Asheville over the most recent five-year period (89 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Asheville more dangerous than in other North Carolina cities?
Asheville ranks #2 of 69 ranked North Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #165 of 2,153 nationally.