Car crash statistics in Novato, 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: 1,972 crashes were reported in Novato from 2021–2025, 808 with an injury and 9 with a death. 41% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 21% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 41% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 21% (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.).
• 35% 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 1,972 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed33% · 651
• Unsafe turning or lane change16% · 319
• Driving under the influence12% · 231
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn8% · 163
• Straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side7% · 141

By type of collision: rear end 26%, hit object 22%, side swipe 21%, broadside 14%.

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

• 67 crashes (3%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 101 crashes (5%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 44 crashes (2%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in Novato each year?

Reported crashes in Novato: 2021: 353, 2022: 364, 2023: 468, 2024: 422, 2025: 365. 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 Novato?

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

What causes crashes in Novato?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 1,972 crashes: unsafe speed 33%, unsafe turning or lane change 16%, driving under the influence 12%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 8%, straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side 7%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Novato?

9 crashes killed someone in 1,972 reported crashes in Novato from 2021–2025, and 808 crashes injured someone.

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

67 involved a pedestrian (3%), 101 involved a bicyclist (5%), 44 involved a motorcyclist (2%), of 1,972 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.