Car crash statistics in Rancho Santa Margarita, 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: 584 crashes were reported in Rancho Santa Margarita from 2021–2025, 253 with an injury and 5 with a death. 43% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 16% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 43% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 16% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 25% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 1 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 5% 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 584 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed19% · 109
• Running a red light or stop sign18% · 105
• Unsafe turning or lane change17% · 99
• Driving under the influence10% · 61
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn8% · 45

By type of collision: broadside 30%, rear end 22%, hit object 20%, side swipe 15%.

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

• 22 crashes (4%) involved a pedestrian.
• 35 crashes (6%) involved a bicyclist.
• 18 crashes (3%) involved a motorcyclist.

How many car accidents happen in Rancho Santa Margarita each year?

Reported crashes in Rancho Santa Margarita: 2021: 113, 2022: 121, 2023: 103, 2024: 134, 2025: 113. 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 Rancho Santa Margarita?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in Rancho Santa Margarita is 1 p.m.. 25% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in Rancho Santa Margarita?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 584 crashes: unsafe speed 19%, running a red light or stop sign 18%, unsafe turning or lane change 17%, driving under the influence 10%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 8%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Rancho Santa Margarita?

5 crashes killed someone in 584 reported crashes in Rancho Santa Margarita from 2021–2025, and 253 crashes injured someone.

How many crashes in Rancho Santa Margarita involve pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists?

22 involved a pedestrian (4%), 35 involved a bicyclist (6%), 18 involved a motorcyclist (3%), of 584 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.