Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Roanoke City, VA recorded 53 traffic deaths in 51 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 10.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 69/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 69% of ranked US cities (#4 of 30 in Virginia, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Roanoke City, Virginia?
Roanoke City has a Road Danger Score of 69/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 51 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 53 people — 10.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Roanoke City ranks #4 out of 30 ranked cities in Virginia and #664 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 69% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Roanoke City's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 45% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Roanoke City fell 17% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Roanoke City’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 51 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Roanoke City | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 9 | 17.6% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 23 | 45.1% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 19 | 37.3% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 26 | 51.0% | 49.8% |
Roanoke City Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Roanoke City, 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 | 9 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2022 | 11 |
| 2021 | 10 |
| 2020 | 13 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Roanoke City, Virginia?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Roanoke City recorded 51 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 53 traffic deaths — an average of 10.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Roanoke City?
Roanoke City has a Road Danger Score of 69/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 69% of ranked US cities. The city averages 10.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Roanoke City?
Of Roanoke City's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 18% involved a drinking driver, 45% involved speeding, 37% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 51% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Roanoke City each year?
An average of 10.6 people per year died in car accidents in Roanoke City across 2020–2024 (53 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Roanoke City more dangerous than in other Virginia cities?
Roanoke City ranks #4 of 30 ranked Virginia cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #664 of 2,153 nationally.