Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, San Bernardino, CA recorded 229 traffic deaths in 214 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 20.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 94/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 94% of ranked US cities (#4 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 San Bernardino, California?
San Bernardino has a Road Danger Score of 94/100 (High Road Danger). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 214 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 229 people — 20.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, above the national average of 12.3.
San Bernardino ranks #4 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #121 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 94% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in San Bernardino's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 73% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in San Bernardino rose 2% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind San Bernardino’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 214 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | San Bernardino | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 62 | 29.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 85 | 39.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 97 | 45.3% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 156 | 72.9% | 49.8% |
San Bernardino Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in San Bernardino, 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 | 34 |
| 2023 | 53 |
| 2022 | 57 |
| 2021 | 39 |
| 2020 | 46 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for San Bernardino, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, San Bernardino recorded 214 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 229 traffic deaths — an average of 45.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in San Bernardino?
San Bernardino has a Road Danger Score of 94/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 94% of ranked US cities. The city averages 20.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in San Bernardino?
Of San Bernardino's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 29% involved a drinking driver, 40% involved speeding, 45% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 73% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in San Bernardino each year?
An average of 45.8 people per year died in car accidents in San Bernardino over the most recent five-year period (229 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in San Bernardino more dangerous than in other California cities?
San Bernardino ranks #4 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #121 of 2,153 nationally.