Car crash statistics in East Palo Alto, 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: 1,425 crashes were reported in East Palo Alto from 2021–2025, 521 with an injury and 8 with a death. 37% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 42% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 37% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 42% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 33% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 6 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 27% 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 1,425 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe turning or lane change34% · 478
• Unsafe speed23% · 325
• Unsafe starting or backing7% · 97
• Driving under the influence6% · 87
• Straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side6% · 86

By type of collision: rear end 31%, side swipe 27%, broadside 19%, hit object 9%.

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

• 41 crashes (3%) involved a pedestrian.
• 72 crashes (5%) involved a bicyclist.
• 20 crashes (1%) involved a motorcyclist.

How many car accidents happen in East Palo Alto each year?

Reported crashes in East Palo Alto: 2021: 370, 2022: 269, 2023: 268, 2024: 242, 2025: 276. 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 East Palo Alto?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in East Palo Alto is 6 p.m.. 33% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in East Palo Alto?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 1,425 crashes: unsafe turning or lane change 34%, unsafe speed 23%, unsafe starting or backing 7%, driving under the influence 6%, straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side 6%.

How many people were killed in crashes in East Palo Alto?

8 crashes killed someone in 1,425 reported crashes in East Palo Alto from 2021–2025, and 521 crashes injured someone.

How many crashes in East Palo Alto involve pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists?

41 involved a pedestrian (3%), 72 involved a bicyclist (5%), 20 involved a motorcyclist (1%), of 1,425 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.