Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Norfolk, VA recorded 111 traffic deaths in 108 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 9.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 62/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 62% of ranked US cities (#9 of 30 in Virginia, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Norfolk, Virginia?
Norfolk has a Road Danger Score of 62/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 108 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 111 people — 9.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Norfolk ranks #9 out of 30 ranked cities in Virginia and #817 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 62% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Norfolk's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 36% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Norfolk fell 34% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Norfolk’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 108 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Norfolk | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 36 | 33.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 27 | 25.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 39 | 36.1% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 67 | 62.0% | 49.8% |
Norfolk Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Norfolk, 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 | 20 |
| 2023 | 15 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2021 | 28 |
| 2020 | 25 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Norfolk, Virginia?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Norfolk recorded 108 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 111 traffic deaths — an average of 22.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Norfolk?
Norfolk has a Road Danger Score of 62/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 62% of ranked US cities. The city averages 9.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Norfolk?
Of Norfolk's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 33% involved a drinking driver, 25% involved speeding, 36% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 62% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Norfolk each year?
An average of 22.2 people per year died in car accidents in Norfolk over the most recent five-year period (111 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Norfolk more dangerous than in other Virginia cities?
Norfolk ranks #9 of 30 ranked Virginia cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #817 of 2,153 nationally.