Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, South San Francisco, CA recorded 18 traffic deaths in 18 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 5.8 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 35/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 35% of ranked US cities (#111 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in South San Francisco, California?
South San Francisco has a Road Danger Score of 35/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 18 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 18 people — 5.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
South San Francisco ranks #111 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,404 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 35% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in South San Francisco's fatal crashes: dark / nighttime conditions — 78% of fatal crashes, versus 50% nationally.
Traffic deaths in South San Francisco rose 80% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind South San Francisco’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 18 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | South San Francisco | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 3 | 16.7% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 7 | 38.9% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 9 | 50.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 14 | 77.8% | 49.8% |
South San Francisco Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in South San Francisco, 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 | 6 |
| 2022 | 4 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in South San Francisco, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, South San Francisco recorded 18 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 18 traffic deaths — an average of 3.6 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in South San Francisco?
South San Francisco has a Road Danger Score of 35/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 35% of ranked US cities. The city averages 5.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in South San Francisco?
Of South San Francisco's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 17% involved a drinking driver, 39% involved speeding, 50% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 78% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in South San Francisco each year?
An average of 3.6 people per year died in car accidents in South San Francisco across 2020–2024 (18 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in South San Francisco more dangerous than in other California cities?
South San Francisco ranks #111 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,404 of 2,153 nationally.