Car crash statistics in Santa Monica, 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: 5,924 crashes were reported in Santa Monica from 2021–2025, 2,331 with an injury and 27 with a death. 39% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 40% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 39% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 40% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 21% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• The busiest hour was 4 p.m. (California: 5 p.m.).
• 15% 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 5,924 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Unsafe speed20% · 1,160
• Unsafe turning or lane change19% · 1,105
• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn8% · 485
• Driving under the influence7% · 406
• Running a red light or stop sign5% · 296

By type of collision: rear end 27%, side swipe 27%, broadside 17%, hit object 10%.

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

• 465 crashes (8%) involved a pedestrian. See where they cluster
• 326 crashes (6%) involved a bicyclist. See where they cluster
• 210 crashes (4%) involved a motorcyclist. See where they cluster

How many car accidents happen in Santa Monica each year?

Reported crashes in Santa Monica: 2021: 1,087, 2022: 1,258, 2023: 1,167, 2024: 1,313, 2025: 1,099. 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 Monica?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in Santa Monica is 4 p.m.. 21% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in Santa Monica?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 5,924 crashes: unsafe speed 20%, unsafe turning or lane change 19%, failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 8%, driving under the influence 7%, running a red light or stop sign 5%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Santa Monica?

27 crashes killed someone in 5,924 reported crashes in Santa Monica from 2021–2025, and 2,331 crashes injured someone.

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

465 involved a pedestrian (8%), 326 involved a bicyclist (6%), 210 involved a motorcyclist (4%), of 5,924 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.