Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Santa Maria, CA recorded 21 traffic deaths in 19 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 Santa Maria, California?
Santa Maria 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 19 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 21 people — 3.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 84% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Santa Maria rose 57% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Santa Maria’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 19 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Santa Maria | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 5 | 26.3% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 9 | 47.4% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 6 | 31.6% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 16 | 84.2% | 49.8% |
Santa Maria Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Santa Maria, 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 | 6 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2020 | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Santa Maria, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Santa Maria recorded 19 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 21 traffic deaths — an average of 4.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Santa Maria?
Santa Maria 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 Santa Maria?
Of Santa Maria's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 26% involved a drinking driver, 47% involved speeding, 32% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 84% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Santa Maria each year?
An average of 4.2 people per year died in car accidents in Santa Maria across 2020–2024 (21 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Santa Maria more dangerous than in other California cities?
Santa Maria ranks #161 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,795 of 2,153 nationally.