Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, West Columbia, SC recorded 19 traffic deaths in 17 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 20.4 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 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in West Columbia, South Carolina?
West Columbia has a Road Danger Score of 94/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 17 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 19 people — 20.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
West Columbia 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 West Columbia's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 41% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in West Columbia fell 22% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind West Columbia’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 17 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | West Columbia | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 1 | 5.9% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 3 | 17.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 7 | 41.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 8 | 47.1% | 49.8% |
West Columbia Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in West Columbia, 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 | 2 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 7 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in West Columbia, South Carolina?
According to NHTSA FARS data, West Columbia recorded 17 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 19 traffic deaths — an average of 3.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in West Columbia?
West Columbia 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 20.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in West Columbia?
Of West Columbia's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 6% involved a drinking driver, 18% involved speeding, 41% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 47% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in West Columbia each year?
An average of 3.8 people per year died in car accidents in West Columbia across 2020–2024 (19 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in West Columbia more dangerous than in other South Carolina cities?
West Columbia ranks #3 of 30 ranked South Carolina cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #121 of 2,153 nationally.