Car crash statistics in Santa Ana, 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: 23,096 crashes were reported in Santa Ana from 2021–2025, 8,538 with an injury and 136 with a death. 37% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 34% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 37% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 34% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 23% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 5 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 22% 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 23,096 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed28% · 6,517
• Unsafe turning or lane change19% · 4,279
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn10% · 2,310
• Running a red light or stop sign7% · 1,719
• Straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side6% · 1,469

By type of collision: rear end 33%, side swipe 24%, broadside 21%, hit object 9%.

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

• 837 crashes (4%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 783 crashes (3%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 489 crashes (2%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in Santa Ana each year?

Reported crashes in Santa Ana: 2021: 4,337, 2022: 4,566, 2023: 4,944, 2024: 4,805, 2025: 4,444. 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 Santa Ana?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in Santa Ana is 5 p.m.. 23% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in Santa Ana?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 23,096 crashes: unsafe speed 28%, unsafe turning or lane change 19%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 10%, running a red light or stop sign 7%, straying from the lane or driving on the wrong side 6%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Santa Ana?

136 crashes killed someone in 23,096 reported crashes in Santa Ana from 2021–2025, and 8,538 crashes injured someone.

How many crashes in Santa Ana involve pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists?

837 involved a pedestrian (4%), 783 involved a bicyclist (3%), 489 involved a motorcyclist (2%), of 23,096 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.