Car crash statistics in El Cerrito, 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: 691 crashes were reported in El Cerrito from 2021–2025, 211 with an injury and 5 with a death. 31% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 21% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 31% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 21% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 23% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 6 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 22% 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 691 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe turning or lane change18% · 124
• Unsafe speed15% · 107
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn13% · 92
• Driving under the influence11% · 73
• Straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side8% · 57

By type of collision: rear end 29%, side swipe 22%, broadside 21%, hit object 12%.

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

• 43 crashes (6%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 33 crashes (5%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 17 crashes (2%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in El Cerrito each year?

Reported crashes in El Cerrito: 2021: 186, 2022: 157, 2023: 93, 2024: 129, 2025: 126. 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 Cerrito?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in El Cerrito is 6 p.m.. 23% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in El Cerrito?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 691 crashes: unsafe turning or lane change 18%, unsafe speed 15%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 13%, driving under the influence 11%, straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side 8%.

How many people were killed in crashes in El Cerrito?

5 crashes killed someone in 691 reported crashes in El Cerrito from 2021–2025, and 211 crashes injured someone.

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

43 involved a pedestrian (6%), 33 involved a bicyclist (5%), 17 involved a motorcyclist (2%), of 691 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.