Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Charleston, SC recorded 88 traffic deaths in 82 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 11.2 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 71/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 71% of ranked US cities (#12 of 30 in South Carolina, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Charleston, South Carolina?
Charleston has a Road Danger Score of 71/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 82 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 88 people — 11.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Charleston ranks #12 out of 30 ranked cities in South Carolina and #621 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 71% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Charleston's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 42% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Charleston fell 10% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Charleston’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 82 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Charleston | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 26 | 31.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 27 | 32.9% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 34 | 41.5% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 52 | 63.4% | 49.8% |
Charleston Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Charleston, South Carolina 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 | 12 |
| 2023 | 23 |
| 2022 | 14 |
| 2021 | 22 |
| 2020 | 17 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Charleston, South Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Charleston recorded 82 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 88 traffic deaths — an average of 17.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Charleston?
Charleston has a Road Danger Score of 71/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 71% of ranked US cities. The city averages 11.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Charleston?
Of Charleston's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 32% involved a drinking driver, 33% involved speeding, 42% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 63% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Charleston each year?
An average of 17.6 people per year died in car accidents in Charleston across 2020–2024 (88 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Charleston more dangerous than in other South Carolina cities?
Charleston ranks #12 of 30 ranked South Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #621 of 2,153 nationally.