Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Atascadero, CA recorded 11 traffic deaths in 10 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 7.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 47/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 47% of ranked US cities (#91 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Atascadero, California?
Atascadero has a Road Danger Score of 47/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 10 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 11 people — 7.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Atascadero ranks #91 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,143 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 47% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Atascadero's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 40% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
What’s Behind Atascadero’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 10 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Atascadero | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 3 | 30.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 3 | 30.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 4 | 40.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 5 | 50.0% | 49.8% |
Atascadero Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Atascadero, California from NHTSA FARS. Single-year swings are normal in smaller cities; the Road Danger Score uses the full 5-year window.
| Year | Traffic Deaths |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Atascadero, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Atascadero recorded 10 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 11 traffic deaths — an average of 2.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Atascadero?
Atascadero has a Road Danger Score of 47/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 47% of ranked US cities. The city averages 7.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Atascadero?
Of Atascadero's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 30% involved a drinking driver, 30% involved speeding, 40% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 50% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Atascadero each year?
An average of 2.2 people per year died in car accidents in Atascadero across 2020–2024 (11 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Atascadero more dangerous than in other California cities?
Atascadero ranks #91 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,143 of 2,153 nationally.