Car crash statistics in Goleta, 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: 1,599 crashes were reported in Goleta from 2021–2025, 664 with an injury and 10 with a death. 42% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 21% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 42% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 21% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 18% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 3 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 1,599 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed27% · 433
• Unsafe turning or lane change20% · 327
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn14% · 218
• Driving under the influence10% · 166
• Running a red light or stop sign7% · 112

By type of collision: rear end 30%, broadside 23%, side swipe 20%, hit object 16%.

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

• 44 crashes (3%) involved a pedestrian.
• 123 crashes (8%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 51 crashes (3%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in Goleta each year?

Reported crashes in Goleta: 2021: 320, 2022: 327, 2023: 292, 2024: 367, 2025: 293. 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 Goleta?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in Goleta is 3 p.m.. 18% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in Goleta?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 1,599 crashes: unsafe speed 27%, unsafe turning or lane change 20%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 14%, driving under the influence 10%, running a red light or stop sign 7%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Goleta?

10 crashes killed someone in 1,599 reported crashes in Goleta from 2021–2025, and 664 crashes injured someone.

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

44 involved a pedestrian (3%), 123 involved a bicyclist (8%), 51 involved a motorcyclist (3%), of 1,599 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.