Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Bethlehem, PA recorded 26 traffic deaths in 25 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 6.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 41/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 41% of ranked US cities (#19 of 54 in Pennsylvania, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania?
Bethlehem has a Road Danger Score of 41/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 25 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 26 people — 6.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Bethlehem ranks #19 out of 54 ranked cities in Pennsylvania and #1,273 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 41% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Bethlehem's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 40% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Bethlehem rose 33% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Bethlehem’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 25 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Bethlehem | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 6 | 24.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 10 | 40.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 5 | 20.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 9 | 36.0% | 49.8% |
Bethlehem Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania 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 | 7 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Bethlehem recorded 25 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 26 traffic deaths — an average of 5.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Bethlehem?
Bethlehem has a Road Danger Score of 41/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 41% of ranked US cities. The city averages 6.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Bethlehem?
Of Bethlehem's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 24% involved a drinking driver, 40% involved speeding, 20% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 36% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Bethlehem each year?
An average of 5.2 people per year died in car accidents in Bethlehem across 2020–2024 (26 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Bethlehem more dangerous than in other Pennsylvania cities?
Bethlehem ranks #19 of 54 ranked Pennsylvania cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,273 of 2,153 nationally.