Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Harrisonburg, VA recorded 16 traffic deaths in 15 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 6.2 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 38/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 38% of ranked US cities (#18 of 30 in Virginia, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Harrisonburg, Virginia?
Harrisonburg has a Road Danger Score of 38/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 15 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 16 people — 6.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Harrisonburg ranks #18 out of 30 ranked cities in Virginia and #1,338 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 38% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Harrisonburg's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 53% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Harrisonburg fell 33% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Harrisonburg’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 15 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Harrisonburg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 7 | 46.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 8 | 53.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 1 | 6.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 4 | 26.7% | 49.8% |
Harrisonburg Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Harrisonburg, Virginia 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 | 1 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Harrisonburg, Virginia?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Harrisonburg recorded 15 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 16 traffic deaths — an average of 3.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Harrisonburg?
Harrisonburg has a Road Danger Score of 38/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 38% of ranked US cities. The city averages 6.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Harrisonburg?
Of Harrisonburg's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 47% involved a drinking driver, 53% involved speeding, 7% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 27% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Harrisonburg each year?
An average of 3.2 people per year died in car accidents in Harrisonburg across 2020–2024 (16 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Harrisonburg more dangerous than in other Virginia cities?
Harrisonburg ranks #18 of 30 ranked Virginia cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,338 of 2,153 nationally.