Car crash statistics in Santa Cruz, 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: 905 crashes were reported in Santa Cruz from 2021–2025, 712 with an injury and 14 with a death. 79% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 19% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 79% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 19% (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.).

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 905 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed18% · 161
• Unsafe turning or lane change16% · 145
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn11% · 100
• Driving under the influence10% · 91
• Running a red light or stop sign9% · 77

By type of collision: broadside 21%, rear end 16%, hit object 12%, side swipe 12%.

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

• 120 crashes (13%) involved a pedestrian.
• 317 crashes (35%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 56 crashes (6%) involved a motorcyclist.

How many car accidents happen in Santa Cruz each year?

Reported crashes in Santa Cruz: 2021: 178, 2022: 171, 2023: 155, 2024: 208, 2025: 193. 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 Cruz?

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

What causes crashes in Santa Cruz?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 905 crashes: unsafe speed 18%, unsafe turning or lane change 16%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 11%, driving under the influence 10%, running a red light or stop sign 9%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Santa Cruz?

14 crashes killed someone in 905 reported crashes in Santa Cruz from 2021–2025, and 712 crashes injured someone.

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

120 involved a pedestrian (13%), 317 involved a bicyclist (35%), 56 involved a motorcyclist (6%), of 905 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.