Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Santa Ana, CA recorded 131 traffic deaths in 129 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 8.4 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 54/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 54% of ranked US cities (#71 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Santa Ana, California?
Santa Ana has a Road Danger Score of 54/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 129 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 131 people — 8.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Santa Ana ranks #71 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #991 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 54% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Santa Ana's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 60% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Santa Ana rose 8% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Santa Ana’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 129 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Santa Ana | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 28 | 21.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 29 | 22.5% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 77 | 59.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 89 | 69.0% | 49.8% |
Santa Ana Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Santa Ana, 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 | 29 |
| 2023 | 27 |
| 2022 | 23 |
| 2021 | 27 |
| 2020 | 25 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Santa Ana, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Santa Ana recorded 129 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 131 traffic deaths — an average of 26.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Santa Ana?
Santa Ana has a Road Danger Score of 54/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 54% of ranked US cities. The city averages 8.4 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Santa Ana?
Of Santa Ana's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 22% involved a drinking driver, 23% involved speeding, 60% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 69% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Santa Ana each year?
An average of 26.2 people per year died in car accidents in Santa Ana across 2020–2024 (131 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Santa Ana more dangerous than in other California cities?
Santa Ana ranks #71 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #991 of 2,153 nationally.