California car accident statistics show the dangers drivers most often face, as well as the consequences of engaging in behaviors that cause preventable accidents. California has one of the largest populations of licensed motor vehicle drivers in the United States, with millions of drivers traveling along highways, freeways, and local streets every day of the year. Unfortunately, heavy traffic, speeding, distracted driving, and impaired motorists have contributed to thousands of serious accidents occurring throughout the state each year.
According to data collected by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), California recorded a rate of 9.8 motor vehicle accident fatalities per 100,000 residents in 2024, which makes it one of the states with the highest numbers of traffic deaths throughout the country. Although California’s traffic fatality rate was below the national average of 11.5 motor vehicle deaths per 100,000 residents, thousands of families experience devastating losses every year due to roadway accidents caused by negligence or reckless behavior.
At San Bernardino Accident Injury Attorneys, our team of California car accident lawyers represents accident victims and their families who were injured or wrongfully killed in car accidents throughout San Bernardino and surrounding Southern California communities. Our car accident attorneys help accident victims understand their legal rights, investigate crashes, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from another party’s negligence.
California Car Accident Statistics for 2024
The latest data published by the IIHS in June 2026 provides a detailed look at California’s car accident fatalities in 2024. These California car accident statistics include deaths involving not just drivers, but also:
- Passenger vehicles
- Commercial trucks
- Motorcycles
- Pedestrians
- Bicyclists
According to the IIHS Fatality Facts 2024 report, California car accident statistics for that year amount to:
- 3,876 total motor vehicle accident deaths throughout the state.
- 9.8 traffic fatalities per 100,000 residents, compared with the national average of 11.5.
- 1.19 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.
- 1,220 passenger car occupant deaths, which amounts to approximately 31% of all traffic fatalities.
- 741 pickup truck and SUV occupant deaths, which accounted for approximately 19% of fatalities.
- 522 motorcyclist deaths, which amount to approximately 13% of traffic fatalities.
- 1,090 pedestrian deaths, accounting for approximately 28% of fatalities.
- 162 bicyclist deaths, representing approximately 4% of fatalities.
This data shows that roadway accidents affect more than just vehicle drivers and occupants. Pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists also face substantial risks when traveling throughout the state’s roadways, particularly when accidents involve larger vehicles or occur at higher speeds on highways.
Where Does California Rank in Car Accidents?
California ranked second in the United States for total motor vehicle accident fatalities in 2024, according to data provided by an IIHS report published in June 2026. Only Texas recorded more traffic deaths during that year.
The states with the highest numbers of motor vehicle deaths in 2024 included:
- Texas – 4,160 deaths
- California – 3,876 deaths
- Florida – 3,138 deaths
- North Carolina – 1,619 deaths
- Georgia – 1,403 deaths
California accounted for approximately 9.9% of the 39,254 traffic deaths throughout the nation reported by the IIHS for 2024. However, the state’s ranking changes when fatalities are measured relative to population rather than total deaths.
California recorded 9.8 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents during 2024, which is well below the national average of 11.5. In comparison, Texas recorded 13.3 deaths per 100,000 residents, and Florida recorded 13.4. When looking at this data, California ranks very low on the list for car accident fatalities, even though the state has a high number of total fatalities per year.
These differences demonstrate why total fatalities and population-adjusted fatality rates should be looked at separately and not as a whole. California’s large population and extensive transportation network contribute to its high number of traffic deaths, even though its fatality rate per resident is often lower than the national average.
How Many Car Accidents in California Per Year?
California experiences thousands of fatal and injury traffic accidents every year. However, the number of people killed in accidents should not be confused with the total number of crashes that occur throughout the state every year.
The IIHS reported 3,876 motor vehicle accident deaths in California during 2024. This figure only represents individuals who lost their lives during that year, rather than the total number of fatal, injury, and property-damage-only crashes.
California’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), maintained and reported by the California Highway Patrol, collects information about reported traffic accidents. This database includes information about crash locations, injuries, fatalities, and contributing circumstances. The most recent data from 2021 gives us an idea of how many car accidents occur in California per year by type:
- 225,109 persons injured in accidents
- 157,875 total injury crashes
- 4,161 fatal crashes
San Bernardino County Car Accident Statistics
San Bernardino County experiences a substantial number of traffic accidents each year, contributing to total California car accident statistics. These accidents are particularly common along major transportation corridors connecting the Inland Empire with Los Angeles, Riverside, and surrounding communities.
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety’s 2023 San Bernardino County rankings, San Bernardino County recorded the following statistics:
- 15,118 victims killed or injured in traffic accidents
- 1,903 victims killed or injured in alcohol-involved accidents
- 3,107 speed-related fatal and injury accidents
- 1,735 nighttime fatal and injury accidents occurring between 9 p.m. and 2:59 a.m
- 1,059 hit-and-run fatal and injury accidents
- 870 motorcyclists killed or injured in traffic accidents involving motorcycles
- 651 pedestrians killed or injured, including 68 pedestrians aged 65 or older
- 316 bicyclists killed or injured, including 33 bicyclists younger than 15
San Bernardino County ranked fifth among California’s 58 counties for motorcycle-related victims killed or injured in accidents and 16th for fatal and injury hit-and-run accidents in 2023, the most recent year they provide data for. The county also ranked 13th for victims killed or injured in crashes involving drinking drivers aged 21 to 34.
These San Bernardino car accident statistics show the dangers that motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists encounter throughout San Bernardino County. Speeding, impaired driving, and hit-and-run accidents can result in serious injuries requiring emergency treatment, hospitalization, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care, or they can result in the death of individuals.
Car Accident Statistics in the City of San Bernardino
The city of San Bernardino also reported substantial traffic accident numbers in 2023. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, the city recorded the following accident totals:
- 1,475 victims killed or injured in traffic accidents
- 167 victims killed or injured in alcohol-involved accidents
- 183 speed-related fatal and injury accidents
- 164 hit-and-run fatal and injury accidents
- 155 nighttime fatal and injury accidents.
- 104 pedestrians killed or injured
- 90 motorcyclists killed or injured
- 53 bicyclists killed or injured
San Bernardino ranked seventh among 62 similarly sized California cities for fatal and injury hit-and-run accidents. However, the city also ranked third for motorcycle-related victims killed or injured and ninth for nighttime fatal and injury accidents in 2023.
These countywide and city-specific statistics reflect different geographic areas and should not be added together. San Bernardino’s city figures are included within the broader county totals.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in California
Many serious traffic accidents in California involve dangerous and negligent driving behaviors that violate California traffic laws. Although every accident has unique circumstances, several contributing factors frequently appear in fatal and injury crashes, including:
- Speeding – Under California Vehicle Code § 22350, drivers must operate their vehicles at speeds that are reasonable for existing conditions. Driving in adverse weather or road conditions can increase stopping distances and lead to more severe crash injuries.
- Drunk Driving – California Vehicle Code § 23152 prohibits driving when under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Impaired motorists may have slower reaction times, reduced coordination, and impaired judgment.
- Distracted Driving – Using cell phones, adjusting vehicle controls, or engaging in other distracting activities can prevent drivers from recognizing hazards or other motorists on the road. California Vehicle Code § 23123.5 restricts handheld use of wireless communication devices while driving, but is subject to statutory exceptions.
- Reckless Driving – California Vehicle Code § 23103 prohibits driving with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of people or property. Dangerous driving behaviors often include aggressive driving and other deliberate actions that create substantial risks.
- Hit-and-Run Accidents – Under California Vehicle Code § 20001, drivers involved in accidents that result in injury or death are legally obligated to stop and fulfill specified duties.
Contact Our San Bernardino Car Accident Lawyers for Help Pursuing Compensation
California car accident statistics show the serious consequences of traffic accidents that occur across the state, including San Bernardino County. At San Bernardino Accident Injury Attorneys, our California car accident lawyers help injured motorists, passengers, pedestrians, and families pursue compensation when another party’s negligence causes an accident that results in injury or death. Our team will investigate collisions, gather evidence, assess damages, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue litigation when necessary.
If you or a loved one suffered injuries or have been wrongfully killed in a car accident in San Bernardino or the surrounding communities, don’t hesitate to contact our team at San Bernardino Accident Injury Attorneys today to schedule a consultation and discuss your legal options.