Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Union City, CA recorded 10 traffic deaths in 10 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 3.1 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 13/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 13% of ranked US cities (#185 of 220 in California, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Union City, California?
Union City has a Road Danger Score of 13/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 10 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 10 people — 3.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Union City ranks #185 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,882 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 13% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Union City's fatal crashes: speeding involved — 50% of fatal crashes, versus 28% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Union City fell 0% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Union City’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 10 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Union City | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 4 | 40.0% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 5 | 50.0% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 4 | 40.0% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 5 | 50.0% | 49.8% |
Union City Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Union City, 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 | 0 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 0 |
| 2021 | 2 |
| 2020 | 3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Union City, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Union City recorded 10 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 10 traffic deaths — an average of 2.0 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Union City?
Union City has a Road Danger Score of 13/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 13% of ranked US cities. The city averages 3.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Union City?
Of Union City's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 40% involved a drinking driver, 50% involved speeding, 40% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 50% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Union City each year?
An average of 2.0 people per year died in car accidents in Union City across 2020–2024 (10 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Union City more dangerous than in other California cities?
Union City ranks #185 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,882 of 2,153 nationally.