Car crash statistics in Chico, 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: 2,140 crashes were reported in Chico from 2021–2025, 1,121 with an injury and 28 with a death. 52% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 16% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 52% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 16% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 27% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 5 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 24% 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 2,140 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed20% · 428
• Driving under the influence20% · 427
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn12% · 259
• Unsafe turning or lane change10% · 221
• Running a red light or stop sign9% · 189

By type of collision: broadside 24%, rear end 24%, hit object 20%, side swipe 13%.

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

• 161 crashes (8%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 145 crashes (7%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 96 crashes (4%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in Chico each year?

Reported crashes in Chico: 2021: 465, 2022: 502, 2023: 338, 2024: 446, 2025: 389. 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 Chico?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in Chico is 5 p.m.. 27% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in Chico?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 2,140 crashes: unsafe speed 20%, driving under the influence 20%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 12%, unsafe turning or lane change 10%, running a red light or stop sign 9%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Chico?

28 crashes killed someone in 2,140 reported crashes in Chico from 2021–2025, and 1,121 crashes injured someone.

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

161 involved a pedestrian (8%), 145 involved a bicyclist (7%), 96 involved a motorcyclist (4%), of 2,140 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.