Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Laguna Beach, CA recorded 8 traffic deaths in 8 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 7.2 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 45/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 45% of ranked US cities (#95 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 Laguna Beach, California?
Laguna Beach has a Road Danger Score of 45/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 8 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 8 people — 7.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Laguna Beach ranks #95 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,186 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 45% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Laguna Beach's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 75% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
What’s Behind Laguna Beach’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 8 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Laguna Beach | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 2 | 25.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 3 | 37.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 6 | 75.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 6 | 75.0% | 49.8% |
Laguna Beach Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Laguna Beach, 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 | 1 |
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2020 | 0 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Laguna Beach, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Laguna Beach recorded 8 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 8 traffic deaths — an average of 1.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Laguna Beach?
Laguna Beach has a Road Danger Score of 45/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 45% of ranked US cities. The city averages 7.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Laguna Beach?
Of Laguna Beach's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 25% involved a drinking driver, 38% involved speeding, 75% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 75% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Laguna Beach each year?
An average of 1.6 people per year died in car accidents in Laguna Beach over the most recent five-year period (8 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Laguna Beach more dangerous than in other California cities?
Laguna Beach ranks #95 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,186 of 2,153 nationally.