Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Cleveland, OH recorded 328 traffic deaths in 313 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 18.1 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 91/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 91% of ranked US cities (#3 of 86 in Ohio, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Cleveland, Ohio?
Cleveland has a Road Danger Score of 91/100 (High Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 313 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 328 people — 18.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Cleveland ranks #3 out of 86 ranked cities in Ohio and #186 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 91% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Cleveland's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 64% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Cleveland fell 12% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Cleveland’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 313 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Cleveland | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 114 | 36.4% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 118 | 37.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 70 | 22.4% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 199 | 63.6% | 49.8% |
Cleveland Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Cleveland, Ohio 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 | 72 |
| 2023 | 59 |
| 2022 | 49 |
| 2021 | 73 |
| 2020 | 75 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Cleveland, Ohio?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Cleveland recorded 313 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 328 traffic deaths — an average of 65.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Cleveland?
Cleveland has a Road Danger Score of 91/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 91% of ranked US cities. The city averages 18.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Cleveland?
Of Cleveland's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 36% involved a drinking driver, 38% involved speeding, 22% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 64% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Cleveland each year?
An average of 65.6 people per year died in car accidents in Cleveland over the most recent five-year period (328 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Cleveland more dangerous than in other Ohio cities?
Cleveland ranks #3 of 86 ranked Ohio cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #186 of 2,153 nationally.