Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Whittier, CA recorded 22 traffic deaths in 21 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 5.3 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 29/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 29% of ranked US cities (#128 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 Whittier, California?
Whittier has a Road Danger Score of 29/100 (Safer Roads Than Most Cities). Over the most recent five-year period, federal crash data recorded 21 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 22 people — 5.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Whittier ranks #128 out of 220 ranked cities in California and #1,534 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 29% of ranked US cities.
Traffic deaths in Whittier rose 22% comparing the first two years of the period with the most recent two years.
What’s Behind Whittier’s Fatal Crashes
Share of the city’s 21 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Whittier | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 5 | 23.8% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 5 | 23.8% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 5 | 23.8% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 11 | 52.4% | 49.8% |
Whittier Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Whittier, 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 | 2 |
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2020 | 5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the car accident statistics for Whittier, California?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Whittier recorded 21 fatal car accidents over the most recent five-year period, resulting in 22 traffic deaths — an average of 4.4 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Whittier?
Whittier has a Road Danger Score of 29/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 29% of ranked US cities. The city averages 5.3 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Whittier?
Of Whittier's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 24% involved a drinking driver, 24% involved speeding, 24% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 52% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Whittier each year?
An average of 4.4 people per year died in car accidents in Whittier over the most recent five-year period (22 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Whittier more dangerous than in other California cities?
Whittier ranks #128 of 220 ranked California cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,534 of 2,153 nationally.