Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Philadelphia, PA recorded 712 traffic deaths in 675 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 9.2 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 59/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 59% of ranked US cities (#8 of 54 in Pennsylvania, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?
Philadelphia has a Road Danger Score of 59/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 675 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 712 people — 9.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Philadelphia ranks #8 out of 54 ranked cities in Pennsylvania and #882 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 59% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Philadelphia's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 44% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Philadelphia fell 9% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Philadelphia’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 675 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Philadelphia | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 96 | 14.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 247 | 36.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 297 | 44.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 431 | 63.9% | 49.8% |
Philadelphia Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Philadelphia, 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 | 136 |
| 2023 | 135 |
| 2022 | 142 |
| 2021 | 133 |
| 2020 | 166 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Philadelphia recorded 675 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 712 traffic deaths — an average of 142.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has a Road Danger Score of 59/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 59% of ranked US cities. The city averages 9.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Philadelphia?
Of Philadelphia's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 14% involved a drinking driver, 37% involved speeding, 44% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 64% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Philadelphia each year?
An average of 142.4 people per year died in car accidents in Philadelphia across 2020–2024 (712 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Philadelphia more dangerous than in other Pennsylvania cities?
Philadelphia ranks #8 of 54 ranked Pennsylvania cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #882 of 2,153 nationally.