Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Martinsburg, WV recorded 33 traffic deaths in 31 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 34.7 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 99/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 99% of ranked US cities (#1 of 12 in West Virginia, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Martinsburg, West Virginia?
Martinsburg has a Road Danger Score of 99/100 (High Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 31 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 33 people — 34.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Martinsburg ranks #1 out of 12 ranked cities in West Virginia and #12 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 99% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Martinsburg's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 65% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Martinsburg fell 42% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Martinsburg’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 31 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Martinsburg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 7 | 22.6% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 9 | 29.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 8 | 25.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 20 | 64.5% | 49.8% |
Martinsburg Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Martinsburg, 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 | 8 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 8 |
| 2020 | 11 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Martinsburg, West Virginia?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Martinsburg recorded 31 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 33 traffic deaths — an average of 6.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Martinsburg?
Martinsburg has a Road Danger Score of 99/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 99% of ranked US cities. The city averages 34.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Martinsburg?
Of Martinsburg's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 23% involved a drinking driver, 29% involved speeding, 26% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 65% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Martinsburg each year?
An average of 6.6 people per year died in car accidents in Martinsburg across 2020–2024 (33 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Martinsburg more dangerous than in other West Virginia cities?
Martinsburg ranks #1 of 12 ranked West Virginia cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #12 of 2,153 nationally.