Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Smithfield, NC recorded 9 traffic deaths in 9 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 14.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 83/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 83% of ranked US cities (#11 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 Smithfield, North Carolina?
Smithfield has a Road Danger Score of 83/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 9 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 9 people — 14.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Smithfield ranks #11 out of 69 ranked cities in North Carolina and #360 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 83% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Smithfield's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 33% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
What’s Behind Smithfield’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 | Smithfield | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 2 | 22.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 2 | 22.2% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 3 | 33.3% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 4 | 44.4% | 49.8% |
Smithfield Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Smithfield, 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 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Smithfield, North Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Smithfield 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 Smithfield?
Smithfield has a Road Danger Score of 83/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 83% of ranked US cities. The city averages 14.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Smithfield?
Of Smithfield's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 22% involved a drinking driver, 22% involved speeding, 33% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 44% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Smithfield each year?
An average of 1.8 people per year died in car accidents in Smithfield across 2020–2024 (9 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Smithfield more dangerous than in other North Carolina cities?
Smithfield ranks #11 of 69 ranked North Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #360 of 2,153 nationally.