Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Beckley, WV recorded 5 traffic deaths in 5 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 6.1 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 37/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 37% of ranked US cities (#11 of 12 in West Virginia, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Beckley, West Virginia?
Beckley has a Road Danger Score of 37/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 5 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 5 people — 6.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Beckley ranks #11 out of 12 ranked cities in West Virginia and #1,360 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 37% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Beckley's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 40% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
What’s Behind Beckley’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 5 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Beckley | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 1 | 20.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 2 | 40.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 1 | 20.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 0 | 0.0% | 49.8% |
Beckley Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Beckley, West 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 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2020 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Beckley, West Virginia?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Beckley recorded 5 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 5 traffic deaths — an average of 1.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Beckley?
Beckley has a Road Danger Score of 37/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 37% of ranked US cities. The city averages 6.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Beckley?
Of Beckley's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 20% involved a drinking driver, 40% involved speeding, 20% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 0% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Beckley each year?
An average of 1.0 people per year died in car accidents in Beckley over the most recent five-year period (5 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Beckley more dangerous than in other West Virginia cities?
Beckley ranks #11 of 12 ranked West Virginia cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,360 of 2,153 nationally.