Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Fullerton, CA recorded 54 traffic deaths in 51 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 7.8 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 50/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 50% of ranked US cities (#84 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Fullerton, California?
Fullerton has a Road Danger Score of 50/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 51 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 54 people — 7.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Fullerton ranks #84 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,078 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 50% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Fullerton's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 69% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Fullerton fell 9% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Fullerton’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 51 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Fullerton | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 12 | 23.5% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 11 | 21.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 21 | 41.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 35 | 68.6% | 49.8% |
Fullerton Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Fullerton, 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 | 14 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2021 | 15 |
| 2020 | 8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Fullerton, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Fullerton recorded 51 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 54 traffic deaths — an average of 10.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Fullerton?
Fullerton has a Road Danger Score of 50/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 50% of ranked US cities. The city averages 7.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Fullerton?
Of Fullerton's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 24% involved a drinking driver, 22% involved speeding, 41% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 69% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Fullerton each year?
An average of 10.8 people per year died in car accidents in Fullerton across 2020–2024 (54 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Fullerton more dangerous than in other California cities?
Fullerton ranks #84 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,078 of 2,153 nationally.