Car crash statistics in Arcata, CA

We don't rate cities as safe or unsafe: crash counts can't say how risky a street is, and busy streets have more crashes partly because more people use them. This page covers traffic crashes, not crime. What the records show: 634 crashes were reported in Arcata from 2021–2025, 171 with an injury and 10 with a death. 27% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 43% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 27% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 43% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 32% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 5 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 8% were on a freeway.

Set against all reported crashes in California, 2021–2025. Without traffic counts these can't say how risky a street is.

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 634 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe turning or lane change26% · 162
• Driving under the influence13% · 84
• Unsafe speed11% · 70
• Straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side7% · 47
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn7% · 43

By type of collision: hit object 28%, side swipe 25%, rear end 16%, broadside 11%.

The latest year can rise as late reports come in, and some police departments file months late.

• 36 crashes (6%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 47 crashes (7%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 11 crashes (2%) involved a motorcyclist.

How many car accidents happen in Arcata each year?

Reported crashes in Arcata: 2021: 124, 2022: 139, 2023: 143, 2024: 139, 2025: 89. The latest year can rise as late reports come in, and some police departments file their reports months late.

What time do most crashes happen in Arcata?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in Arcata is 5 p.m.. 32% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in Arcata?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 634 crashes: unsafe turning or lane change 26%, driving under the influence 13%, unsafe speed 11%, straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side 7%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 7%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Arcata?

10 crashes killed someone in 634 reported crashes in Arcata from 2021–2025, and 171 crashes injured someone.

How many crashes in Arcata involve pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists?

36 involved a pedestrian (6%), 47 involved a bicyclist (7%), 11 involved a motorcyclist (2%), of 634 reported crashes from 2021–2025.

Where does this data come from?

Police crash reports in the California Crash Reporting System (CCRS), published by the state on data.ca.gov. Every reported crash is counted, whatever the vehicles, and no locations are used.