Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, San Luis Obispo, CA recorded 12 traffic deaths in 11 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 4.8 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 Luis Obispo, California?
San Luis Obispo 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 11 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 12 people — 4.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 73% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in San Luis Obispo fell 57% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind San Luis Obispo’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 11 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | San Luis Obispo | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 2 | 18.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 4 | 36.4% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 8 | 72.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 6 | 54.5% | 49.8% |
San Luis Obispo Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in San Luis Obispo, 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 | 2 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2022 | 2 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in San Luis Obispo, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, San Luis Obispo recorded 11 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 12 traffic deaths — an average of 2.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in San Luis Obispo?
San Luis Obispo 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 4.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in San Luis Obispo?
Of San Luis Obispo's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 18% involved a drinking driver, 36% involved speeding, 73% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 55% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in San Luis Obispo each year?
An average of 2.4 people per year died in car accidents in San Luis Obispo across 2020–2024 (12 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in San Luis Obispo more dangerous than in other California cities?
San Luis Obispo ranks #145 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,643 of 2,153 nationally.