Car crash statistics in Modesto, 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: 12,797 crashes were reported in Modesto from 2021–2025, 7,149 with an injury and 102 with a death. 56% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 29% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 56% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 29% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 27% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 5 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 8% 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 12,797 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe turning or lane change18% · 2,271
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn15% · 1,918
• Unsafe speed13% · 1,651
• Driving under the influence13% · 1,635
• Running a red light or stop sign13% · 1,616

By type of collision: broadside 30%, rear end 22%, hit object 18%, side swipe 17%.

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

• 665 crashes (5%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 471 crashes (4%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 398 crashes (3%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in Modesto each year?

Reported crashes in Modesto: 2021: 2,625, 2022: 2,504, 2023: 2,260, 2024: 2,758, 2025: 2,650. 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 Modesto?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in Modesto is 5 p.m.. 27% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in Modesto?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 12,797 crashes: unsafe turning or lane change 18%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 15%, unsafe speed 13%, driving under the influence 13%, running a red light or stop sign 13%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Modesto?

102 crashes killed someone in 12,797 reported crashes in Modesto from 2021–2025, and 7,149 crashes injured someone.

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

665 involved a pedestrian (5%), 471 involved a bicyclist (4%), 398 involved a motorcyclist (3%), of 12,797 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.