Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, San Bruno, CA recorded 5 traffic deaths in 5 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 2.5 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 9/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 9% of ranked US cities (#199 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in San Bruno, California?
San Bruno has a Road Danger Score of 9/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 5 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 5 people — 2.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
San Bruno ranks #199 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,969 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 9% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in San Bruno's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 60% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
What’s Behind San Bruno’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 5 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | San Bruno | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 1 | 20.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 2 | 40.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 3 | 60.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 3 | 60.0% | 49.8% |
San Bruno Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in San Bruno, 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 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in San Bruno, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, San Bruno recorded 5 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 5 traffic deaths — an average of 1.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in San Bruno?
San Bruno has a Road Danger Score of 9/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 9% of ranked US cities. The city averages 2.5 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in San Bruno?
Of San Bruno's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 20% involved a drinking driver, 40% involved speeding, 60% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 60% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in San Bruno each year?
An average of 1.0 people per year died in car accidents in San Bruno across 2020–2024 (5 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in San Bruno more dangerous than in other California cities?
San Bruno ranks #199 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,969 of 2,153 nationally.