Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Virginia recorded 4,660 traffic deaths in 4,369 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 10.7 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #33 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths 2020–2024
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 (2020–2024) | 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 from 2020 to 2024, 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 in 2020–2024, 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.