Car crash statistics in San Marcos, 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: 3,153 crashes were reported in San Marcos from 2021–2025, 1,403 with an injury and 27 with a death. 44% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 18% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 44% (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.).
• 32% 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 3,153 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed29% · 924
• Unsafe turning or lane change18% · 582
• Driving under the influence15% · 458
• Running a red light or stop sign10% · 306
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn7% · 214

By type of collision: rear end 32%, hit object 22%, broadside 19%, side swipe 17%.

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

• 67 crashes (2%) involved a pedestrian.
• 149 crashes (5%) involved a bicyclist.
• 141 crashes (4%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in San Marcos each year?

Reported crashes in San Marcos: 2021: 569, 2022: 578, 2023: 661, 2024: 734, 2025: 611. 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 Marcos?

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

What causes crashes in San Marcos?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 3,153 crashes: unsafe speed 29%, unsafe turning or lane change 18%, driving under the influence 15%, running a red light or stop sign 10%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 7%.

How many people were killed in crashes in San Marcos?

27 crashes killed someone in 3,153 reported crashes in San Marcos from 2021–2025, and 1,403 crashes injured someone.

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

67 involved a pedestrian (2%), 149 involved a bicyclist (5%), 141 involved a motorcyclist (4%), of 3,153 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.