Car crash statistics in Watsonville, 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: 2,155 crashes were reported in Watsonville from 2021–2025, 618 with an injury and 15 with a death. 29% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone. 23% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.

• 29% (California: 40%) of crashes injured someone.
• 23% (California: 25%) were hit-and-run.
• 25% (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 2,155 crashes. It is the officer's judgement at the scene.

• Failing to yield at an intersection or to turn19% · 410
• Unsafe turning or lane change19% · 405
• Unsafe speed16% · 350
• Driving under the influence15% · 330
• Running a red light or stop sign8% · 168

By type of collision: broadside 30%, rear end 22%, side swipe 21%, hit object 10%.

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

• 140 crashes (6%) involved a pedestrian.
• 100 crashes (5%) involved a bicyclist.
• 44 crashes (2%) involved a motorcyclist.

How many car accidents happen in Watsonville each year?

Reported crashes in Watsonville: 2021: 468, 2022: 454, 2023: 432, 2024: 422, 2025: 379. 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 Watsonville?

The busiest hour for reported crashes in Watsonville is 5 p.m.. 25% (California: 26%) happened between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m.

What causes crashes in Watsonville?

The main cause the reporting officer recorded, as a share of all 2,155 crashes: failing to yield at an intersection or to turn 19%, unsafe turning or lane change 19%, unsafe speed 16%, driving under the influence 15%, running a red light or stop sign 8%.

How many people were killed in crashes in Watsonville?

15 crashes killed someone in 2,155 reported crashes in Watsonville from 2021–2025, and 618 crashes injured someone.

How many crashes in Watsonville involve pedestrians, cyclists or motorcyclists?

140 involved a pedestrian (6%), 100 involved a bicyclist (5%), 44 involved a motorcyclist (2%), of 2,155 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.