Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Charlotte, NC recorded 516 traffic deaths in 481 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 10.3 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 66/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 66% of ranked US cities (#29 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 Charlotte, North Carolina?
Charlotte has a Road Danger Score of 66/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 481 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 516 people — 10.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Charlotte ranks #29 out of 69 ranked cities in North Carolina and #730 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 66% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Charlotte's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 43% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Charlotte fell 5% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Charlotte’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 481 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Charlotte | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 169 | 35.1% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 205 | 42.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 145 | 30.1% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 295 | 61.3% | 49.8% |
Charlotte Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Charlotte, 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 | 113 |
| 2023 | 89 |
| 2022 | 102 |
| 2021 | 111 |
| 2020 | 101 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Charlotte, North Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Charlotte recorded 481 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 516 traffic deaths — an average of 103.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Charlotte?
Charlotte has a Road Danger Score of 66/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 66% of ranked US cities. The city averages 10.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Charlotte?
Of Charlotte's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 35% involved a drinking driver, 43% involved speeding, 30% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 61% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Charlotte each year?
An average of 103.2 people per year died in car accidents in Charlotte over the most recent five-year period (516 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Charlotte more dangerous than in other North Carolina cities?
Charlotte ranks #29 of 69 ranked North Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #730 of 2,153 nationally.