Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Summerville, SC recorded 14 traffic deaths in 14 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 5.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 30/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 30% of ranked US cities (#24 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 Summerville, South Carolina?
Summerville has a Road Danger Score of 30/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 14 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 14 people — 5.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Summerville ranks #24 out of 30 ranked cities in South Carolina and #1,512 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 30% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Summerville's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 64% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Summerville rose 40% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Summerville’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 14 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Summerville | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 3 | 21.4% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 1 | 7.1% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 5 | 35.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 9 | 64.3% | 49.8% |
Summerville Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Summerville, 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 | 3 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2020 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Summerville, South Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Summerville recorded 14 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 14 traffic deaths — an average of 2.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Summerville?
Summerville has a Road Danger Score of 30/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 30% of ranked US cities. The city averages 5.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Summerville?
Of Summerville's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 21% involved a drinking driver, 7% involved speeding, 36% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 64% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Summerville each year?
An average of 2.8 people per year died in car accidents in Summerville across 2020–2024 (14 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Summerville more dangerous than in other South Carolina cities?
Summerville ranks #24 of 30 ranked South Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,512 of 2,153 nationally.