Car crash statistics in Palo Alto, 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: 1,760 crashes were reported in Palo Alto from 2021–2025, 702 with an injury and 10 with a death. 40% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 17% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 40% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 17% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 14% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 6 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 62% 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 1,760 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed50% · 877
• Unsafe turning or lane change16% · 280
• Straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side8% · 144
• Driving under the influence4% · 76
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn4% · 73

By type of collision: rear end 51%, side swipe 19%, hit object 12%, broadside 11%.

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

• 39 crashes (2%) involved a pedestrian.
• 83 crashes (5%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 36 crashes (2%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in Palo Alto each year?

Reported crashes in Palo Alto: 2021: 508, 2022: 414, 2023: 253, 2024: 334, 2025: 251. 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 Palo Alto?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in Palo Alto is 6 p.m.. 14% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in Palo Alto?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 1,760 crashes: unsafe speed 50%, unsafe turning or lane change 16%, straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side 8%, driving under the influence 4%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 4%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Palo Alto?

10 crashes killed someone in 1,760 reported crashes in Palo Alto from 2021–2025, and 702 crashes injured someone.

How many crashes in Palo Alto involve pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists?

39 involved a pedestrian (2%), 83 involved a bicyclist (5%), 36 involved a motorcyclist (2%), of 1,760 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.