Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Salisbury, NC recorded 28 traffic deaths in 27 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 15.3 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 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Salisbury, North Carolina?
Salisbury has a Road Danger Score of 86/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 27 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 28 people — 15.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Salisbury 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 Salisbury's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 41% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Salisbury fell 47% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Salisbury’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 27 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Salisbury | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 1 | 3.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 7 | 25.9% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 11 | 40.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 15 | 55.6% | 49.8% |
Salisbury Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Salisbury, 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 | 5 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2020 | 10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Salisbury, North Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Salisbury recorded 27 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 28 traffic deaths — an average of 5.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Salisbury?
Salisbury 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 15.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Salisbury?
Of Salisbury's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 4% involved a drinking driver, 26% involved speeding, 41% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 56% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Salisbury each year?
An average of 5.6 people per year died in car accidents in Salisbury across 2020–2024 (28 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Salisbury more dangerous than in other North Carolina cities?
Salisbury ranks #8 of 69 ranked North Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #295 of 2,153 nationally.