Car crash statistics in San Diego, 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: 42,569 crashes were reported in San Diego from 2021–2025, 28,308 with an injury and 528 with a death. 66% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 18% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 66% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 18% (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.).
• 55% 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 42,569 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed33% · 14,132
• Unsafe turning or lane change20% · 8,687
• Straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side9% · 3,878
• Running a red light or stop sign6% · 2,650
• Driving under the influence6% · 2,459

By type of collision: rear end 34%, side swipe 22%, hit object 14%, broadside 14%.

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

• 2,755 crashes (6%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 1,903 crashes (4%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 3,067 crashes (7%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in San Diego each year?

Reported crashes in San Diego: 2021: 8,332, 2022: 8,325, 2023: 8,640, 2024: 8,693, 2025: 8,579. 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 Diego?

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

What causes crashes in San Diego?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 42,569 crashes: unsafe speed 33%, unsafe turning or lane change 20%, straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side 9%, running a red light or stop sign 6%, driving under the influence 6%.

How many people were killed in crashes in San Diego?

528 crashes killed someone in 42,569 reported crashes in San Diego from 2021–2025, and 28,308 crashes injured someone.

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

2,755 involved a pedestrian (6%), 1,903 involved a bicyclist (4%), 3,067 involved a motorcyclist (7%), of 42,569 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.