Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Durham, NC recorded 118 traffic deaths in 115 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 7.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 50/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 50% of ranked US cities (#44 of 69 in North Carolina, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Durham, North Carolina?
Durham has a Road Danger Score of 50/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 115 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 118 people — 7.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Durham ranks #44 out of 69 ranked cities in North Carolina and #1,078 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 50% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Durham's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 49% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Durham rose 13% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Durham’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 115 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Durham | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 42 | 36.5% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 56 | 48.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 29 | 25.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 67 | 58.3% | 49.8% |
Durham Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Durham, 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 | 25 |
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2020 | 28 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Durham, North Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Durham recorded 115 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 118 traffic deaths — an average of 23.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Durham?
Durham has a Road Danger Score of 50/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 50% of ranked US cities. The city averages 7.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Durham?
Of Durham's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 37% involved a drinking driver, 49% involved speeding, 25% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 58% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Durham each year?
An average of 23.6 people per year died in car accidents in Durham across 2020–2024 (118 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Durham more dangerous than in other North Carolina cities?
Durham ranks #44 of 69 ranked North Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,078 of 2,153 nationally.