Car crash statistics in San Luis Obispo, 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: 2,535 crashes were reported in San Luis Obispo from 2021–2025, 880 with an injury and 11 with a death. 35% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 32% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 35% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 32% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 20% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 4 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 15% 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 2,535 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed20% · 496
• Unsafe turning or lane change19% · 488
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn11% · 285
• Driving under the influence9% · 229
• Straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side6% · 155

By type of collision: side swipe 24%, rear end 21%, hit object 20%, broadside 19%.

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

• 130 crashes (5%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 184 crashes (7%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 76 crashes (3%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in San Luis Obispo each year?

Reported crashes in San Luis Obispo: 2021: 452, 2022: 532, 2023: 508, 2024: 570, 2025: 473. 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 Luis Obispo?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in San Luis Obispo is 4 p.m.. 20% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in San Luis Obispo?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 2,535 crashes: unsafe speed 20%, unsafe turning or lane change 19%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 11%, driving under the influence 9%, straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side 6%.

How many people were killed in crashes in San Luis Obispo?

11 crashes killed someone in 2,535 reported crashes in San Luis Obispo from 2021–2025, and 880 crashes injured someone.

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

130 involved a pedestrian (5%), 184 involved a bicyclist (7%), 76 involved a motorcyclist (3%), of 2,535 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.