Car crash statistics in Salinas, 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: 3,061 crashes were reported in Salinas from 2021–2025, 2,197 with an injury and 11 with a death. 72% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 21% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 72% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 21% (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.).
• 7% 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 3,061 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed19% · 596
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn19% · 576
• Unsafe turning or lane change13% · 400
• Driving under the influence12% · 364
• Running a red light or stop sign9% · 282

By type of collision: broadside 32%, rear end 25%, side swipe 13%, vehicle/pedestrain 10%.

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

• 309 crashes (10%) involved a pedestrian.
• 169 crashes (6%) involved a bicyclist.
• 86 crashes (3%) involved a motorcyclist.

How many car accidents happen in Salinas each year?

Reported crashes in Salinas: 2021: 1,106, 2022: 572, 2023: 430, 2024: 488, 2025: 465. 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 Salinas?

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

What causes crashes in Salinas?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 3,061 crashes: unsafe speed 19%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 19%, unsafe turning or lane change 13%, driving under the influence 12%, running a red light or stop sign 9%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Salinas?

11 crashes killed someone in 3,061 reported crashes in Salinas from 2021–2025, and 2,197 crashes injured someone.

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

309 involved a pedestrian (10%), 169 involved a bicyclist (6%), 86 involved a motorcyclist (3%), of 3,061 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.