Car crash statistics in Berkeley, 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: 5,933 crashes were reported in Berkeley from 2021–2025, 2,858 with an injury and 22 with a death. 48% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 28% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 48% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 28% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 21% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 5 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 33% 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 5,933 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed34% · 2,027
• Unsafe turning or lane change12% · 726
• Straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side11% · 630
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn10% · 612
• Driving under the influence7% · 431

By type of collision: rear end 33%, side swipe 24%, broadside 20%, hit object 9%.

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

• 413 crashes (7%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 518 crashes (9%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 180 crashes (3%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in Berkeley each year?

Reported crashes in Berkeley: 2021: 1,061, 2022: 1,285, 2023: 1,217, 2024: 1,203, 2025: 1,167. 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 Berkeley?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in Berkeley is 5 p.m.. 21% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in Berkeley?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 5,933 crashes: unsafe speed 34%, unsafe turning or lane change 12%, straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side 11%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 10%, driving under the influence 7%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Berkeley?

22 crashes killed someone in 5,933 reported crashes in Berkeley from 2021–2025, and 2,858 crashes injured someone.

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

413 involved a pedestrian (7%), 518 involved a bicyclist (9%), 180 involved a motorcyclist (3%), of 5,933 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.