Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Harrisburg, PA recorded 37 traffic deaths in 34 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 14.8 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 85/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 85% of ranked US cities (#2 of 54 in Pennsylvania, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania?
Harrisburg has a Road Danger Score of 85/100 (High Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 34 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 37 people — 14.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Harrisburg ranks #2 out of 54 ranked cities in Pennsylvania and #317 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 85% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Harrisburg's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 41% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Harrisburg fell 47% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Harrisburg’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 34 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Harrisburg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 8 | 23.5% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 15 | 44.1% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 14 | 41.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 23 | 67.6% | 49.8% |
Harrisburg Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Harrisburg, 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 | 3 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2020 | 6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Harrisburg recorded 34 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 37 traffic deaths — an average of 7.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Harrisburg?
Harrisburg has a Road Danger Score of 85/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 85% of ranked US cities. The city averages 14.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Harrisburg?
Of Harrisburg's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 24% involved a drinking driver, 44% involved speeding, 41% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 68% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Harrisburg each year?
An average of 7.4 people per year died in car accidents in Harrisburg over the most recent five-year period (37 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Harrisburg more dangerous than in other Pennsylvania cities?
Harrisburg ranks #2 of 54 ranked Pennsylvania cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #317 of 2,153 nationally.