Car crash statistics in Merced, 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: 4,742 crashes were reported in Merced from 2021–2025, 1,837 with an injury and 45 with a death. 39% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 36% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 39% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 36% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 26% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 3 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 9% 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 4,742 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe turning or lane change20% · 971
• Unsafe speed20% · 971
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn15% · 715
• Driving under the influence10% · 482
• Running a red light or stop sign10% · 451

By type of collision: broadside 27%, rear end 23%, side swipe 19%, hit object 17%.

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

• 223 crashes (5%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 200 crashes (4%) involved a bicyclist.
• 127 crashes (3%) involved a motorcyclist.

How many car accidents happen in Merced each year?

Reported crashes in Merced: 2021: 1,342, 2022: 1,153, 2023: 837, 2024: 804, 2025: 606. 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 Merced?

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

What causes crashes in Merced?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 4,742 crashes: unsafe turning or lane change 20%, unsafe speed 20%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 15%, driving under the influence 10%, running a red light or stop sign 10%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Merced?

45 crashes killed someone in 4,742 reported crashes in Merced from 2021–2025, and 1,837 crashes injured someone.

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

223 involved a pedestrian (5%), 200 involved a bicyclist (4%), 127 involved a motorcyclist (3%), of 4,742 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.