Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, San Diego, CA recorded 549 traffic deaths in 515 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 7.9 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 50/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 50% of ranked US cities (#84 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 Diego, California?
San Diego has a Road Danger Score of 50/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 515 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 549 people — 7.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
San Diego ranks #84 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,078 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 50% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in San Diego's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 47% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in San Diego fell 8% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind San Diego’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 515 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | San Diego | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 120 | 23.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 145 | 28.2% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 240 | 46.6% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 350 | 68.0% | 49.8% |
San Diego Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in San Diego, 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 | 109 |
| 2023 | 97 |
| 2022 | 119 |
| 2021 | 119 |
| 2020 | 105 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in San Diego, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, San Diego recorded 515 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 549 traffic deaths — an average of 109.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in San Diego?
San Diego has a Road Danger Score of 50/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 50% of ranked US cities. The city averages 7.9 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in San Diego?
Of San Diego's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 23% involved a drinking driver, 28% involved speeding, 47% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 68% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in San Diego each year?
An average of 109.8 people per year died in car accidents in San Diego across 2020–2024 (549 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in San Diego more dangerous than in other California cities?
San Diego ranks #84 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,078 of 2,153 nationally.