Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Salem, OR recorded 85 traffic deaths in 79 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 9.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 62/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 62% of ranked US cities (#5 of 28 in Oregon, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Salem, Oregon?
Salem has a Road Danger Score of 62/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 79 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 85 people — 9.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Salem ranks #5 out of 28 ranked cities in Oregon and #817 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 62% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Salem's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 46% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Salem rose 9% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Salem’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 79 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Salem | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 16 | 20.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 24 | 30.4% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 36 | 45.6% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 43 | 54.4% | 49.8% |
Salem Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Salem, Oregon 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 | 21 |
| 2023 | 14 |
| 2022 | 18 |
| 2021 | 20 |
| 2020 | 12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Salem, Oregon?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Salem recorded 79 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 85 traffic deaths — an average of 17.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Salem?
Salem has a Road Danger Score of 62/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 62% of ranked US cities. The city averages 9.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Salem?
Of Salem's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 20% involved a drinking driver, 30% involved speeding, 46% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 54% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Salem each year?
An average of 17.0 people per year died in car accidents in Salem over the most recent five-year period (85 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Salem more dangerous than in other Oregon cities?
Salem ranks #5 of 28 ranked Oregon cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #817 of 2,153 nationally.