Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Santa Paula, CA recorded 6 traffic deaths in 6 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 3.7 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 (5-Yr Total)
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Santa Paula, California?
Santa Paula has a Road Danger Score of 17/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 6 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 6 people — 3.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Santa Paula 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 Paula's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 67% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
What’s Behind Santa Paula’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 6 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Santa Paula | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 3 | 50.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 1 | 16.7% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 4 | 66.7% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 2 | 33.3% | 49.8% |
Santa Paula Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Santa Paula, 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 | 3 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Santa Paula, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Santa Paula recorded 6 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 6 traffic deaths — an average of 1.2 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Santa Paula?
Santa Paula 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 3.7 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Santa Paula?
Of Santa Paula's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 50% involved a drinking driver, 17% involved speeding, 67% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 33% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Santa Paula each year?
An average of 1.2 people per year died in car accidents in Santa Paula over the most recent five-year period (6 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Santa Paula more dangerous than in other California cities?
Santa Paula ranks #161 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,795 of 2,153 nationally.