Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, New Bern, NC recorded 9 traffic deaths in 9 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 5.5 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 31/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 31% of ranked US cities (#56 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 New Bern, North Carolina?
New Bern has a Road Danger Score of 31/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 9 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 9 people — 5.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
New Bern ranks #56 out of 69 ranked cities in North Carolina and #1,491 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 31% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in New Bern's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 78% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in New Bern fell 60% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind New Bern’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 9 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | New Bern | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 0 | 0.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 1 | 11.1% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 7 | 77.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 4 | 44.4% | 49.8% |
New Bern Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in New Bern, 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 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in New Bern, North Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, New Bern recorded 9 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 9 traffic deaths — an average of 1.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in New Bern?
New Bern has a Road Danger Score of 31/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 31% of ranked US cities. The city averages 5.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in New Bern?
Of New Bern's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 0% involved a drinking driver, 11% involved speeding, 78% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 44% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in New Bern each year?
An average of 1.8 people per year died in car accidents in New Bern across 2020–2024 (9 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in New Bern more dangerous than in other North Carolina cities?
New Bern ranks #56 of 69 ranked North Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,491 of 2,153 nationally.