Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Galveston, TX recorded 60 traffic deaths in 55 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 22.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 96/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 96% of ranked US cities (#5 of 195 in Texas, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Galveston, Texas?
Galveston has a Road Danger Score of 96/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 55 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 60 people — 22.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Galveston ranks #5 out of 195 ranked cities in Texas and #78 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 96% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Galveston's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 64% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Galveston fell 14% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Galveston’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 55 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Galveston | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 14 | 25.5% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 22 | 40.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 18 | 32.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 35 | 63.6% | 49.8% |
Galveston Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Galveston, Texas 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 | 9 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2022 | 19 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2020 | 14 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Galveston, Texas?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Galveston recorded 55 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 60 traffic deaths — an average of 12.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Galveston?
Galveston has a Road Danger Score of 96/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 96% of ranked US cities. The city averages 22.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Galveston?
Of Galveston's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 26% involved a drinking driver, 40% involved speeding, 33% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 64% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Galveston each year?
An average of 12.0 people per year died in car accidents in Galveston across 2020–2024 (60 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Galveston more dangerous than in other Texas cities?
Galveston ranks #5 of 195 ranked Texas cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #78 of 2,153 nationally.