Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Sumter, SC recorded 28 traffic deaths in 28 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 13.2 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 80/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 80% of ranked US cities (#11 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 Sumter, South Carolina?
Sumter has a Road Danger Score of 80/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 28 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 28 people — 13.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Sumter ranks #11 out of 30 ranked cities in South Carolina and #425 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 80% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Sumter's fatal crashes: drinking driver involved — 43% of fatal crashes, versus 26% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Sumter rose 20% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Sumter’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 28 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Sumter | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 12 | 42.9% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 8 | 28.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 9 | 32.1% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 17 | 60.7% | 49.8% |
Sumter Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Sumter, 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 | 7 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Sumter, South Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Sumter recorded 28 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 28 traffic deaths — an average of 5.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Sumter?
Sumter has a Road Danger Score of 80/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 80% of ranked US cities. The city averages 13.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Sumter?
Of Sumter's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 43% involved a drinking driver, 29% involved speeding, 32% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 61% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Sumter each year?
An average of 5.6 people per year died in car accidents in Sumter across 2020–2024 (28 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Sumter more dangerous than in other South Carolina cities?
Sumter ranks #11 of 30 ranked South Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #425 of 2,153 nationally.