Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Gilroy, CA recorded 18 traffic deaths in 18 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 6.2 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 38/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 38% of ranked US cities (#106 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Gilroy, California?
Gilroy has a Road Danger Score of 38/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 18 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 18 people — 6.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Gilroy ranks #106 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,338 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 38% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Gilroy's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 61% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Gilroy fell 60% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Gilroy’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 18 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Gilroy | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 2 | 11.1% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 1 | 5.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 11 | 61.1% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 10 | 55.6% | 49.8% |
Gilroy Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Gilroy, 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 | 2 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Gilroy, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Gilroy recorded 18 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 18 traffic deaths — an average of 3.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Gilroy?
Gilroy has a Road Danger Score of 38/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 38% of ranked US cities. The city averages 6.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Gilroy?
Of Gilroy's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 11% involved a drinking driver, 6% involved speeding, 61% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 56% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Gilroy each year?
An average of 3.6 people per year died in car accidents in Gilroy across 2020–2024 (18 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Gilroy more dangerous than in other California cities?
Gilroy ranks #106 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,338 of 2,153 nationally.