Car crash statistics in Carlsbad, 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: 4,915 crashes were reported in Carlsbad from 2021–2025, 2,370 with an injury and 32 with a death. 48% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 24% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 48% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 24% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 25% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 5 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 28% 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 4,915 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed33% · 1,644
• Unsafe turning or lane change15% · 750
• Driving under the influence13% · 660
• Running a red light or stop sign8% · 414
• Straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side4% · 203

By type of collision: rear end 33%, hit object 20%, side swipe 19%, broadside 14%.

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

• 179 crashes (4%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 512 crashes (10%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 197 crashes (4%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in Carlsbad each year?

Reported crashes in Carlsbad: 2021: 966, 2022: 941, 2023: 994, 2024: 1,003, 2025: 1,011. 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 Carlsbad?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in Carlsbad is 5 p.m.. 25% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in Carlsbad?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 4,915 crashes: unsafe speed 33%, unsafe turning or lane change 15%, driving under the influence 13%, running a red light or stop sign 8%, straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side 4%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Carlsbad?

32 crashes killed someone in 4,915 reported crashes in Carlsbad from 2021–2025, and 2,370 crashes injured someone.

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

179 involved a pedestrian (4%), 512 involved a bicyclist (10%), 197 involved a motorcyclist (4%), of 4,915 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.