Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Oakland, CA recorded 189 traffic deaths in 183 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 8.7 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 56/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 56% of ranked US cities (#67 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 Oakland, California?
Oakland has a Road Danger Score of 56/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 183 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 189 people — 8.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Oakland ranks #67 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #947 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 56% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Oakland's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 43% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Oakland rose 14% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Oakland’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 183 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Oakland | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 51 | 27.9% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 78 | 42.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 79 | 43.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 115 | 62.8% | 49.8% |
Oakland Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Oakland, 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 | 36 |
| 2023 | 37 |
| 2022 | 52 |
| 2021 | 27 |
| 2020 | 37 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Oakland, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Oakland recorded 183 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 189 traffic deaths — an average of 37.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Oakland?
Oakland has a Road Danger Score of 56/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 56% of ranked US cities. The city averages 8.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Oakland?
Of Oakland's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 28% involved a drinking driver, 43% involved speeding, 43% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 63% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Oakland each year?
An average of 37.8 people per year died in car accidents in Oakland over the most recent five-year period (189 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Oakland more dangerous than in other California cities?
Oakland ranks #67 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #947 of 2,153 nationally.