Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Myrtle Beach, SC recorded 45 traffic deaths in 38 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 21.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 95/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 95% of ranked US cities (#2 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 Myrtle Beach, South Carolina?
Myrtle Beach has a Road Danger Score of 95/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 38 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 45 people — 21.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Myrtle Beach ranks #2 out of 30 ranked cities in South Carolina and #99 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 95% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Myrtle Beach's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 34% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Myrtle Beach fell 46% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Myrtle Beach’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 38 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Myrtle Beach | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 9 | 23.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 11 | 28.9% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 13 | 34.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 23 | 60.5% | 49.8% |
Myrtle Beach Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Myrtle Beach, 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 | 5 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2020 | 5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Myrtle Beach recorded 38 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 45 traffic deaths — an average of 9.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Myrtle Beach?
Myrtle Beach has a Road Danger Score of 95/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 95% of ranked US cities. The city averages 21.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Myrtle Beach?
Of Myrtle Beach's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 24% involved a drinking driver, 29% involved speeding, 34% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 61% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Myrtle Beach each year?
An average of 9.0 people per year died in car accidents in Myrtle Beach across 2020–2024 (45 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Myrtle Beach more dangerous than in other South Carolina cities?
Myrtle Beach ranks #2 of 30 ranked South Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #99 of 2,153 nationally.