Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, San Francisco, CA recorded 189 traffic deaths in 178 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 4.7 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 24/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 24% of ranked US cities (#145 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 Francisco, California?
San Francisco has a Road Danger Score of 24/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 178 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 189 people — 4.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
San Francisco ranks #145 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,643 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 24% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in San Francisco's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 55% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in San Francisco rose 23% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind San Francisco’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 178 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | San Francisco | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 25 | 14.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 67 | 37.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 98 | 55.1% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 102 | 57.3% | 49.8% |
San Francisco Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in San Francisco, 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 | 47 |
| 2023 | 34 |
| 2022 | 42 |
| 2021 | 34 |
| 2020 | 32 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in San Francisco, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, San Francisco recorded 178 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 189 traffic deaths — an average of 37.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in San Francisco?
San Francisco has a Road Danger Score of 24/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 24% of ranked US cities. The city averages 4.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in San Francisco?
Of San Francisco's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 14% involved a drinking driver, 38% involved speeding, 55% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 57% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in San Francisco each year?
An average of 37.8 people per year died in car accidents in San Francisco across 2020–2024 (189 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in San Francisco more dangerous than in other California cities?
San Francisco ranks #145 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,643 of 2,153 nationally.