Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Raleigh, NC recorded 186 traffic deaths in 168 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 7.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 48/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 48% of ranked US cities (#46 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 Raleigh, North Carolina?
Raleigh has a Road Danger Score of 48/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 168 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 186 people — 7.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Raleigh ranks #46 out of 69 ranked cities in North Carolina and #1,121 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 48% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Raleigh's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 38% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Raleigh rose 44% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Raleigh’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 168 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Raleigh | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 34 | 20.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 70 | 41.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 64 | 38.1% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 92 | 54.8% | 49.8% |
Raleigh Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Raleigh, 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 | 35 |
| 2023 | 43 |
| 2022 | 54 |
| 2021 | 34 |
| 2020 | 20 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Raleigh, North Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Raleigh recorded 168 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 186 traffic deaths — an average of 37.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Raleigh?
Raleigh has a Road Danger Score of 48/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 48% of ranked US cities. The city averages 7.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Raleigh?
Of Raleigh's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 20% involved a drinking driver, 42% involved speeding, 38% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 55% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Raleigh each year?
An average of 37.2 people per year died in car accidents in Raleigh over the most recent five-year period (186 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Raleigh more dangerous than in other North Carolina cities?
Raleigh ranks #46 of 69 ranked North Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,121 of 2,153 nationally.