Car crash statistics in Santa Clara, 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: 5,165 crashes were reported in Santa Clara from 2021–2025, 1,714 with an injury and 33 with a death. 33% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 35% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 33% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 35% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 23% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 4 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 14% 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 5,165 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed25% · 1,274
• Unsafe turning or lane change19% · 969
• Running a red light or stop sign10% · 510
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn8% · 430
• Driving under the influence7% · 348

By type of collision: rear end 30%, side swipe 24%, broadside 22%, hit object 14%.

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

• 170 crashes (3%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 154 crashes (3%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 128 crashes (2%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in Santa Clara each year?

Reported crashes in Santa Clara: 2021: 833, 2022: 1,107, 2023: 1,160, 2024: 1,038, 2025: 1,027. 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 Clara?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in Santa Clara is 4 p.m.. 23% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in Santa Clara?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 5,165 crashes: unsafe speed 25%, unsafe turning or lane change 19%, running a red light or stop sign 10%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 8%, driving under the influence 7%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Santa Clara?

33 crashes killed someone in 5,165 reported crashes in Santa Clara from 2021–2025, and 1,714 crashes injured someone.

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

170 involved a pedestrian (3%), 154 involved a bicyclist (3%), 128 involved a motorcyclist (2%), of 5,165 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.