Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Wilson, NC recorded 44 traffic deaths in 38 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 18.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 92/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 92% of ranked US cities (#2 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 Wilson, North Carolina?
Wilson has a Road Danger Score of 92/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 38 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 44 people — 18.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Wilson ranks #2 out of 69 ranked cities in North Carolina and #165 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 92% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Wilson's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 66% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Wilson rose 19% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Wilson’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
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 | Wilson | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 7 | 18.4% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 8 | 21.1% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 14 | 36.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 25 | 65.8% | 49.8% |
Wilson Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Wilson, 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 | 6 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2022 | 9 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Wilson, North Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Wilson recorded 38 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 44 traffic deaths — an average of 8.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Wilson?
Wilson has a Road Danger Score of 92/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 92% of ranked US cities. The city averages 18.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Wilson?
Of Wilson's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 18% involved a drinking driver, 21% involved speeding, 37% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 66% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Wilson each year?
An average of 8.8 people per year died in car accidents in Wilson across 2020–2024 (44 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Wilson more dangerous than in other North Carolina cities?
Wilson ranks #2 of 69 ranked North Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #165 of 2,153 nationally.