Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Pittsburgh, PA recorded 111 traffic deaths in 108 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 7.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 44/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 44% of ranked US cities (#15 of 54 in Pennsylvania, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?
Pittsburgh has a Road Danger Score of 44/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 108 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 111 people — 7.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Pittsburgh ranks #15 out of 54 ranked cities in Pennsylvania and #1,208 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 44% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Pittsburgh's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 39% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Pittsburgh fell 5% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Pittsburgh’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 108 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Pittsburgh | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 17 | 15.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 42 | 38.9% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 32 | 29.6% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 60 | 55.6% | 49.8% |
Pittsburgh Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Pittsburgh, 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 | 22 |
| 2023 | 20 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2021 | 22 |
| 2020 | 22 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Pittsburgh recorded 108 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 111 traffic deaths — an average of 22.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has a Road Danger Score of 44/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 44% of ranked US cities. The city averages 7.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Pittsburgh?
Of Pittsburgh's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 16% involved a drinking driver, 39% involved speeding, 30% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 56% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Pittsburgh each year?
An average of 22.2 people per year died in car accidents in Pittsburgh across 2020–2024 (111 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Pittsburgh more dangerous than in other Pennsylvania cities?
Pittsburgh ranks #15 of 54 ranked Pennsylvania cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,208 of 2,153 nationally.