Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, San Mateo, CA recorded 19 traffic deaths in 17 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 3.8 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 17/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 17% of ranked US cities (#161 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 Mateo, California?
San Mateo has a Road Danger Score of 17/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 17 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 19 people — 3.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
San Mateo ranks #161 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,795 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 17% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in San Mateo's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 71% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in San Mateo rose 14% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind San Mateo’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 17 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | San Mateo | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 5 | 29.4% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 8 | 47.1% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 5 | 29.4% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 12 | 70.6% | 49.8% |
San Mateo Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in San Mateo, 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 | 5 |
| 2023 | 3 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2020 | 6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in San Mateo, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, San Mateo recorded 17 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 19 traffic deaths — an average of 3.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in San Mateo?
San Mateo has a Road Danger Score of 17/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 17% of ranked US cities. The city averages 3.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in San Mateo?
Of San Mateo's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 29% involved a drinking driver, 47% involved speeding, 29% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 71% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in San Mateo each year?
An average of 3.8 people per year died in car accidents in San Mateo across 2020–2024 (19 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in San Mateo more dangerous than in other California cities?
San Mateo ranks #161 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,795 of 2,153 nationally.