Car crash statistics in San Mateo, 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: 4,214 crashes were reported in San Mateo from 2021–2025, 1,699 with an injury and 14 with a death. 40% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 24% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 40% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 24% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 22% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 5 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 61% 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 4,214 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed38% · 1,610
• Unsafe turning or lane change19% · 812
• Straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side12% · 503
• Driving under the influence9% · 367
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn5% · 218

By type of collision: rear end 41%, side swipe 27%, hit object 12%, broadside 9%.

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

• 155 crashes (4%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 123 crashes (3%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 105 crashes (2%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in San Mateo each year?

Reported crashes in San Mateo: 2021: 767, 2022: 653, 2023: 968, 2024: 983, 2025: 843. 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 Mateo?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in San Mateo is 5 p.m.. 22% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in San Mateo?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 4,214 crashes: unsafe speed 38%, unsafe turning or lane change 19%, straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side 12%, driving under the influence 9%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 5%.

How many people were killed in crashes in San Mateo?

14 crashes killed someone in 4,214 reported crashes in San Mateo from 2021–2025, and 1,699 crashes injured someone.

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

155 involved a pedestrian (4%), 123 involved a bicyclist (3%), 105 involved a motorcyclist (2%), of 4,214 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.