Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Richmond, VA recorded 124 traffic deaths in 122 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 10.7 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 68/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 68% of ranked US cities (#5 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 Richmond, Virginia?
Richmond has a Road Danger Score of 68/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 122 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 124 people — 10.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Richmond ranks #5 out of 30 ranked cities in Virginia and #686 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 68% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Richmond's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 34% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Richmond rose 7% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Richmond’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 122 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Richmond | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 32 | 26.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 41 | 33.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 41 | 33.6% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 64 | 52.5% | 49.8% |
Richmond Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Richmond, 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 | 18 |
| 2023 | 29 |
| 2022 | 33 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2020 | 27 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Richmond, Virginia?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Richmond recorded 122 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 124 traffic deaths — an average of 24.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Richmond?
Richmond has a Road Danger Score of 68/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 68% of ranked US cities. The city averages 10.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Richmond?
Of Richmond's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 26% involved a drinking driver, 34% involved speeding, 34% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 53% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Richmond each year?
An average of 24.8 people per year died in car accidents in Richmond over the most recent five-year period (124 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Richmond more dangerous than in other Virginia cities?
Richmond ranks #5 of 30 ranked Virginia cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #686 of 2,153 nationally.