Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Kinston, NC recorded 16 traffic deaths in 16 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 16.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 89/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 89% of ranked US cities (#5 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 Kinston, North Carolina?
Kinston has a Road Danger Score of 89/100 (High Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 16 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 16 people — 16.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Kinston ranks #5 out of 69 ranked cities in North Carolina and #230 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 89% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Kinston's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 44% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Kinston fell 38% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Kinston’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 16 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Kinston | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 4 | 25.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 6 | 37.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 7 | 43.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 7 | 43.8% | 49.8% |
Kinston Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Kinston, 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 | 4 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Kinston, North Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Kinston recorded 16 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 16 traffic deaths — an average of 3.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Kinston?
Kinston has a Road Danger Score of 89/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 89% of ranked US cities. The city averages 16.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Kinston?
Of Kinston's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 25% involved a drinking driver, 38% involved speeding, 44% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 44% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Kinston each year?
An average of 3.2 people per year died in car accidents in Kinston over the most recent five-year period (16 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Kinston more dangerous than in other North Carolina cities?
Kinston ranks #5 of 69 ranked North Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #230 of 2,153 nationally.