Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, San Jose, CA recorded 326 traffic deaths in 315 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 6.8 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 42/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 42% of ranked US cities (#102 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 Jose, California?
San Jose has a Road Danger Score of 42/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 315 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 326 people — 6.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
San Jose ranks #102 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,251 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 42% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in San Jose's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 49% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in San Jose fell 18% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind San Jose’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 315 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | San Jose | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 82 | 26.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 90 | 28.6% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 155 | 49.2% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 202 | 64.1% | 49.8% |
San Jose Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in San Jose, 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 | 54 |
| 2023 | 63 |
| 2022 | 66 |
| 2021 | 80 |
| 2020 | 63 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in San Jose, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, San Jose recorded 315 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 326 traffic deaths — an average of 65.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in San Jose?
San Jose has a Road Danger Score of 42/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 42% of ranked US cities. The city averages 6.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in San Jose?
Of San Jose's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 26% involved a drinking driver, 29% involved speeding, 49% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 64% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in San Jose each year?
An average of 65.2 people per year died in car accidents in San Jose across 2020–2024 (326 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in San Jose more dangerous than in other California cities?
San Jose ranks #102 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,251 of 2,153 nationally.