Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Rocky Mount, NC recorded 41 traffic deaths in 38 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 15.1 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 86/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 86% of ranked US cities (#8 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 Rocky Mount, North Carolina?
Rocky Mount has a Road Danger Score of 86/100 (High Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 38 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 41 people — 15.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Rocky Mount ranks #8 out of 69 ranked cities in North Carolina and #295 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 86% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Rocky Mount's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 63% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Rocky Mount rose 6% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Rocky Mount’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 38 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Rocky Mount | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 9 | 23.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 13 | 34.2% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 11 | 28.9% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 24 | 63.2% | 49.8% |
Rocky Mount Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Rocky Mount, 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 | 7 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2020 | 6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Rocky Mount, North Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Rocky Mount recorded 38 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 41 traffic deaths — an average of 8.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Rocky Mount?
Rocky Mount has a Road Danger Score of 86/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 86% of ranked US cities. The city averages 15.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Rocky Mount?
Of Rocky Mount's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 24% involved a drinking driver, 34% involved speeding, 29% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 63% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Rocky Mount each year?
An average of 8.2 people per year died in car accidents in Rocky Mount over the most recent five-year period (41 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Rocky Mount more dangerous than in other North Carolina cities?
Rocky Mount ranks #8 of 69 ranked North Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #295 of 2,153 nationally.