Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Virginia Beach, VA recorded 151 traffic deaths in 148 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 6.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 41/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 41% of ranked US cities (#15 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 Virginia Beach, Virginia?
Virginia Beach has a Road Danger Score of 41/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 148 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 151 people — 6.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Virginia Beach ranks #15 out of 30 ranked cities in Virginia and #1,273 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 41% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Virginia Beach's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 47% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Virginia Beach rose 2% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Virginia Beach’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 148 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Virginia Beach | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 58 | 39.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 69 | 46.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 43 | 29.1% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 84 | 56.8% | 49.8% |
Virginia Beach Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Virginia Beach, 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 | 24 |
| 2023 | 37 |
| 2022 | 30 |
| 2021 | 34 |
| 2020 | 26 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Virginia Beach, Virginia?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Virginia Beach recorded 148 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 151 traffic deaths — an average of 30.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach has a Road Danger Score of 41/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 41% of ranked US cities. The city averages 6.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Virginia Beach?
Of Virginia Beach's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 39% involved a drinking driver, 47% involved speeding, 29% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 57% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Virginia Beach each year?
An average of 30.2 people per year died in car accidents in Virginia Beach over the most recent five-year period (151 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Virginia Beach more dangerous than in other Virginia cities?
Virginia Beach ranks #15 of 30 ranked Virginia cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,273 of 2,153 nationally.