Car crash statistics in Santa Maria, 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: 4,145 crashes were reported in Santa Maria from 2021–2025, 2,028 with an injury and 21 with a death. 49% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 27% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 49% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 27% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 27% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 6 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 13% 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 4,145 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed23% · 945
• Unsafe turning or lane change19% · 799
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn14% · 583
• Driving under the influence13% · 543
• Running a red light or stop sign9% · 366

By type of collision: rear end 30%, broadside 26%, side swipe 18%, hit object 12%.

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

• 194 crashes (5%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 132 crashes (3%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 80 crashes (2%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in Santa Maria each year?

Reported crashes in Santa Maria: 2021: 1,745, 2022: 808, 2023: 564, 2024: 515, 2025: 513. 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 Maria?

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

What causes crashes in Santa Maria?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 4,145 crashes: unsafe speed 23%, unsafe turning or lane change 19%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 14%, driving under the influence 13%, running a red light or stop sign 9%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Santa Maria?

21 crashes killed someone in 4,145 reported crashes in Santa Maria from 2021–2025, and 2,028 crashes injured someone.

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

194 involved a pedestrian (5%), 132 involved a bicyclist (3%), 80 involved a motorcyclist (2%), of 4,145 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.