Car crash statistics in San Francisco, 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: 29,914 crashes were reported in San Francisco from 2021–2025, 16,528 with an injury and 189 with a death. 55% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 30% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 55% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 30% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 30% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 5 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 31% 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 29,914 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed28% · 8,423
• Unsafe turning or lane change13% · 3,903
• Straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side11% · 3,391
• Running a red light or stop sign8% · 2,399
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn6% · 1,723

By type of collision: rear end 26%, side swipe 25%, broadside 18%, hit object 10%.

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

• 3,094 crashes (10%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 2,230 crashes (7%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 1,507 crashes (5%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in San Francisco each year?

Reported crashes in San Francisco: 2021: 5,767, 2022: 5,769, 2023: 5,967, 2024: 6,244, 2025: 6,167. 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 Francisco?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in San Francisco is 5 p.m.. 30% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in San Francisco?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 29,914 crashes: unsafe speed 28%, unsafe turning or lane change 13%, straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side 11%, running a red light or stop sign 8%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 6%.

How many people were killed in crashes in San Francisco?

189 crashes killed someone in 29,914 reported crashes in San Francisco from 2021–2025, and 16,528 crashes injured someone.

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

3,094 involved a pedestrian (10%), 2,230 involved a bicyclist (7%), 1,507 involved a motorcyclist (5%), of 29,914 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.