Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Sanford, NC recorded 20 traffic deaths in 17 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 12.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 79/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 79% of ranked US cities (#17 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 Sanford, North Carolina?
Sanford has a Road Danger Score of 79/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 17 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 20 people — 12.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Sanford ranks #17 out of 69 ranked cities in North Carolina and #447 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 79% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Sanford's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 71% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Sanford fell 40% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Sanford’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 17 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Sanford | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 2 | 11.8% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 4 | 23.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 7 | 41.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 12 | 70.6% | 49.8% |
Sanford Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Sanford, 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 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Sanford, North Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Sanford recorded 17 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 20 traffic deaths — an average of 4.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Sanford?
Sanford has a Road Danger Score of 79/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 79% of ranked US cities. The city averages 12.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Sanford?
Of Sanford's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 12% involved a drinking driver, 24% involved speeding, 41% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 71% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Sanford each year?
An average of 4.0 people per year died in car accidents in Sanford over the most recent five-year period (20 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Sanford more dangerous than in other North Carolina cities?
Sanford ranks #17 of 69 ranked North Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #447 of 2,153 nationally.