Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Winston-Salem, NC recorded 143 traffic deaths in 136 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 11.3 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 71/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 71% of ranked US cities (#25 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 Winston-Salem, North Carolina?
Winston-Salem has a Road Danger Score of 71/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 136 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 143 people — 11.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Winston-Salem ranks #25 out of 69 ranked cities in North Carolina and #621 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 71% of ranked US cities.
Traffic deaths in Winston-Salem rose 20% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Winston-Salem’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 136 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Winston-Salem | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 30 | 22.1% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 35 | 25.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 32 | 23.5% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 68 | 50.0% | 49.8% |
Winston-Salem Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Winston-Salem, 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 | 29 |
| 2023 | 36 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2021 | 34 |
| 2020 | 20 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Winston-Salem, North Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Winston-Salem recorded 136 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 143 traffic deaths — an average of 28.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Winston-Salem?
Winston-Salem has a Road Danger Score of 71/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 71% of ranked US cities. The city averages 11.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Winston-Salem?
Of Winston-Salem's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 22% involved a drinking driver, 26% involved speeding, 24% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 50% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Winston-Salem each year?
An average of 28.6 people per year died in car accidents in Winston-Salem across 2020–2024 (143 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Winston-Salem more dangerous than in other North Carolina cities?
Winston-Salem ranks #25 of 69 ranked North Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #621 of 2,153 nationally.