Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Greenville, SC recorded 55 traffic deaths in 49 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 15.0 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 (#7 of 30 in South Carolina, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Greenville, South Carolina?
Greenville has a Road Danger Score of 85/100 (High Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 49 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 55 people — 15.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Greenville ranks #7 out of 30 ranked cities in South Carolina 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 Greenville's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 63% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Greenville rose 20% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Greenville’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 49 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Greenville | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 18 | 36.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 19 | 38.8% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 16 | 32.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 31 | 63.3% | 49.8% |
Greenville Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Greenville, 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 | 16 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2020 | 10 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Greenville, South Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Greenville recorded 49 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 55 traffic deaths — an average of 11.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Greenville?
Greenville 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 15.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Greenville?
Of Greenville's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 37% involved a drinking driver, 39% involved speeding, 33% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 63% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Greenville each year?
An average of 11.0 people per year died in car accidents in Greenville over the most recent five-year period (55 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Greenville more dangerous than in other South Carolina cities?
Greenville ranks #7 of 30 ranked South Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #317 of 2,153 nationally.