Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Santa Clara, CA recorded 34 traffic deaths in 33 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 5.2 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 27/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 27% of ranked US cities (#135 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 Clara, California?
Santa Clara has a Road Danger Score of 27/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 33 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 34 people — 5.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Santa Clara ranks #135 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,577 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 27% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Santa Clara's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 55% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Santa Clara rose 46% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Santa Clara’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 33 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Santa Clara | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 10 | 30.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 9 | 27.3% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 18 | 54.5% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 20 | 60.6% | 49.8% |
Santa Clara Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Santa Clara, 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 | 6 |
| 2023 | 10 |
| 2022 | 7 |
| 2021 | 6 |
| 2020 | 5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Santa Clara, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Santa Clara recorded 33 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 34 traffic deaths — an average of 6.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Santa Clara?
Santa Clara has a Road Danger Score of 27/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 27% of ranked US cities. The city averages 5.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Santa Clara?
Of Santa Clara's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 30% involved a drinking driver, 27% involved speeding, 55% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 61% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Santa Clara each year?
An average of 6.8 people per year died in car accidents in Santa Clara across 2020–2024 (34 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Santa Clara more dangerous than in other California cities?
Santa Clara ranks #135 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,577 of 2,153 nationally.