Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, North Charleston, SC recorded 125 traffic deaths in 112 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 20.2 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 94/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 94% of ranked US cities (#3 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 North Charleston, South Carolina?
North Charleston has a Road Danger Score of 94/100 (High Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 112 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 125 people — 20.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
North Charleston ranks #3 out of 30 ranked cities in South Carolina and #121 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 94% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in North Charleston's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 40% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in North Charleston rose 30% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind North Charleston’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 112 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | North Charleston | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 31 | 27.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 44 | 39.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 45 | 40.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 69 | 61.6% | 49.8% |
North Charleston Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in North 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 | 29 |
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2021 | 26 |
| 2020 | 18 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for North Charleston, South Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, North Charleston recorded 112 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 125 traffic deaths — an average of 25.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in North Charleston?
North Charleston has a Road Danger Score of 94/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 94% of ranked US cities. The city averages 20.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in North Charleston?
Of North Charleston's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 28% involved a drinking driver, 39% involved speeding, 40% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 62% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in North Charleston each year?
An average of 25.0 people per year died in car accidents in North Charleston over the most recent five-year period (125 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in North Charleston more dangerous than in other South Carolina cities?
North Charleston ranks #3 of 30 ranked South Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #121 of 2,153 nationally.