Car crash statistics in Costa Mesa, 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: 6,721 crashes were reported in Costa Mesa from 2021–2025, 3,330 with an injury and 42 with a death. 50% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 19% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 50% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 19% (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.).
• 43% 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 6,721 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed35% · 2,338
• Driving under the influence17% · 1,131
• Unsafe turning or lane change13% · 875
• Straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side9% · 594
• Running a red light or stop sign8% · 562

By type of collision: rear end 36%, side swipe 20%, broadside 19%, hit object 14%.

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

• 194 crashes (3%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 393 crashes (6%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 241 crashes (4%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in Costa Mesa each year?

Reported crashes in Costa Mesa: 2021: 1,373, 2022: 1,341, 2023: 1,399, 2024: 1,402, 2025: 1,206. 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 Costa Mesa?

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

What causes crashes in Costa Mesa?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 6,721 crashes: unsafe speed 35%, driving under the influence 17%, unsafe turning or lane change 13%, straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side 9%, running a red light or stop sign 8%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Costa Mesa?

42 crashes killed someone in 6,721 reported crashes in Costa Mesa from 2021–2025, and 3,330 crashes injured someone.

How many crashes in Costa Mesa involve pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists?

194 involved a pedestrian (3%), 393 involved a bicyclist (6%), 241 involved a motorcyclist (4%), of 6,721 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.