Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, El Cajon, CA recorded 61 traffic deaths in 59 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 12.0 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 75/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 75% of ranked US cities (#32 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in El Cajon, California?
El Cajon has a Road Danger Score of 75/100 (Above-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 59 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 61 people — 12.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
El Cajon ranks #32 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #534 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 75% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in El Cajon's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 49% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in El Cajon fell 22% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind El Cajon’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 59 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | El Cajon | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 14 | 23.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 13 | 22.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 29 | 49.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 36 | 61.0% | 49.8% |
El Cajon Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in El Cajon, 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 | 12 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2022 | 13 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2020 | 12 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in El Cajon, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, El Cajon recorded 59 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 61 traffic deaths — an average of 12.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in El Cajon?
El Cajon has a Road Danger Score of 75/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 75% of ranked US cities. The city averages 12.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in El Cajon?
Of El Cajon's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 24% involved a drinking driver, 22% involved speeding, 49% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 61% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in El Cajon each year?
An average of 12.2 people per year died in car accidents in El Cajon across 2020–2024 (61 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in El Cajon more dangerous than in other California cities?
El Cajon ranks #32 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #534 of 2,153 nationally.