Car crash statistics in San Clemente, 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: 2,258 crashes were reported in San Clemente from 2021–2025, 935 with an injury and 18 with a death. 41% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 22% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 41% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 22% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 31% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 3 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 40% 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 2,258 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe turning or lane change25% · 574
• Unsafe speed21% · 481
• Driving under the influence16% · 353
• Straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side8% · 189
• Running a red light or stop sign6% · 133

By type of collision: side swipe 26%, rear end 23%, hit object 23%, broadside 15%.

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

• 56 crashes (2%) involved a pedestrian.
• 179 crashes (8%) involved a bicyclist.
• 99 crashes (4%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in San Clemente each year?

Reported crashes in San Clemente: 2021: 439, 2022: 478, 2023: 439, 2024: 459, 2025: 443. 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 San Clemente?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in San Clemente is 3 p.m.. 31% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in San Clemente?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 2,258 crashes: unsafe turning or lane change 25%, unsafe speed 21%, driving under the influence 16%, straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side 8%, running a red light or stop sign 6%.

How many people were killed in crashes in San Clemente?

18 crashes killed someone in 2,258 reported crashes in San Clemente from 2021–2025, and 935 crashes injured someone.

How many crashes in San Clemente involve pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists?

56 involved a pedestrian (2%), 179 involved a bicyclist (8%), 99 involved a motorcyclist (4%), of 2,258 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.