Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Clearlake, CA recorded 21 traffic deaths in 21 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 25.6 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 97/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 97% of ranked US cities (#2 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Clearlake, California?
Clearlake has a Road Danger Score of 97/100 (High Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 21 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 21 people — 25.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
Clearlake ranks #2 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #56 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 97% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Clearlake's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 67% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Clearlake rose 43% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Clearlake’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 21 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Clearlake | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 2 | 9.5% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 7 | 33.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 14 | 66.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 15 | 71.4% | 49.8% |
Clearlake Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Clearlake, 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 | 5 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Clearlake, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Clearlake recorded 21 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 21 traffic deaths — an average of 4.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Clearlake?
Clearlake has a Road Danger Score of 97/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 97% of ranked US cities. The city averages 25.6 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Clearlake?
Of Clearlake's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 10% involved a drinking driver, 33% involved speeding, 67% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 71% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Clearlake each year?
An average of 4.2 people per year died in car accidents in Clearlake over the most recent five-year period (21 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Clearlake more dangerous than in other California cities?
Clearlake ranks #2 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #56 of 2,153 nationally.