Car crash statistics in El Centro, 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: 776 crashes were reported in El Centro from 2021–2025, 474 with an injury and 12 with a death. 61% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 18% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 61% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 18% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 24% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 4 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).

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 776 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn19% · 148
• Unsafe speed17% · 129
• Driving under the influence15% · 119
• Unsafe turning or lane change15% · 113
• Running a red light or stop sign10% · 77

By type of collision: broadside 29%, rear end 23%, hit object 15%, side swipe 11%.

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

• 60 crashes (8%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 34 crashes (4%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 11 crashes (1%) involved a motorcyclist.

How many car accidents happen in El Centro each year?

Reported crashes in El Centro: 2021: 181, 2022: 172, 2023: 183, 2024: 111, 2025: 129. 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 El Centro?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in El Centro is 4 p.m.. 24% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in El Centro?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 776 crashes: failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 19%, unsafe speed 17%, driving under the influence 15%, unsafe turning or lane change 15%, running a red light or stop sign 10%.

How many people were killed in crashes in El Centro?

12 crashes killed someone in 776 reported crashes in El Centro from 2021–2025, and 474 crashes injured someone.

How many crashes in El Centro involve pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists?

60 involved a pedestrian (8%), 34 involved a bicyclist (4%), 11 involved a motorcyclist (1%), of 776 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.