Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Virginia recorded 4,660 traffic deaths in 4,369 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 10.7 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #33 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths (5-Yr Total)
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
Virginia Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous Virginia Cities to Drive In
All 30 ranked Virginia cities by Road Danger Score (5-year traffic deaths per 100,000 residents, most dangerous first).
| # | City | Danger Score | Deaths (5-Yr) | Deaths per 100K/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Petersburg | 90/100 | 29 | 17.3 |
| 2 | Danville | 84/100 | 30 | 14.3 |
| 3 | Hampton | 74/100 | 81 | 11.7 |
| 4 | Roanoke City | 69/100 | 53 | 10.9 |
| 5 | Richmond | 68/100 | 124 | 10.7 |
| 6 | Suffolk | 67/100 | 55 | 10.6 |
| 7 | Christiansburg | 64/100 | 11 | 9.9 |
| 8 | Colonial Heights | 63/100 | 9 | 9.7 |
| 9 | Norfolk | 62/100 | 111 | 9.6 |
| 10 | Portsmouth | 60/100 | 45 | 9.3 |
| 11 | Newport News | 59/100 | 85 | 9.3 |
| 12 | Fredericksburg | 57/100 | 13 | 8.8 |
| 13 | Hopewell | 44/100 | 8 | 7.0 |
| 14 | Waynesboro | 42/100 | 8 | 6.8 |
| 15 | Virginia Beach | 41/100 | 151 | 6.6 |
| 16 | Chesapeake | 41/100 | 85 | 6.6 |
| 17 | Lynchburg | 40/100 | 26 | 6.5 |
| 18 | Harrisonburg | 38/100 | 16 | 6.2 |
| 19 | Williamsburg | 38/100 | 5 | 6.2 |
| 20 | Charlottesville | 30/100 | 12 | 5.4 |
| 21 | Culpeper | 24/100 | 5 | 4.7 |
| 22 | Manassas | 20/100 | 9 | 4.2 |
| 23 | Alexandria | 15/100 | 27 | 3.5 |
| 24 | Fairfax City | 13/100 | 4 | 3.1 |
| 25 | Leesburg | 10/100 | 7 | 2.8 |
| 26 | Herndon | 8/100 | 3 | 2.4 |
| 27 | Staunton | 8/100 | 3 | 2.3 |
| 28 | Winchester | 8/100 | 3 | 2.2 |
| 29 | Blacksburg | 6/100 | 4 | 1.7 |
| 30 | Salem | 3/100 | 1 | 0.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in Virginia?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 4,369 fatal car accidents in Virginia over the most recent five-year period, killing 4,660 people — an average of 932 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are Virginia roads compared to other states?
Virginia averages 10.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #33 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in Virginia?
Of Virginia's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 29% involved a drinking driver, 32% involved speeding, and 46% happened in dark conditions.
Which Virginia city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked Virginia cities, Petersburg has the highest Road Danger Score (90/100) at 17.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.