Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Pleasanton, CA recorded 16 traffic deaths in 15 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 4.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 22/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 22% of ranked US cities (#149 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Pleasanton, California?
Pleasanton has a Road Danger Score of 22/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 15 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 16 people — 4.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Pleasanton ranks #149 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,686 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 22% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Pleasanton's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 73% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Pleasanton fell 75% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Pleasanton’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 15 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Pleasanton | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 6 | 40.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 11 | 73.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 3 | 20.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 8 | 53.3% | 49.8% |
Pleasanton Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Pleasanton, 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 | 0 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2020 | 4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Pleasanton, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Pleasanton recorded 15 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 16 traffic deaths — an average of 3.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Pleasanton?
Pleasanton has a Road Danger Score of 22/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 22% of ranked US cities. The city averages 4.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Pleasanton?
Of Pleasanton's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 40% involved a drinking driver, 73% involved speeding, 20% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 53% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Pleasanton each year?
An average of 3.2 people per year died in car accidents in Pleasanton across 2020–2024 (16 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Pleasanton more dangerous than in other California cities?
Pleasanton ranks #149 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,686 of 2,153 nationally.