San Jose Police Department, CA
Home MenuAuto-Pedestrian Collisions
San Jose historically has a high percentage of auto/pedestrian fatal collisions.
SAN JOSE TRAFFIC FATALITIES* | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TOTAL TRAFFIC FATALITIES† | 30 | 42 | 43 | 60 | 50 | 46 | 52 | 59 | 49 | 60 | 65 |
PEDESTRIAN RELATED DEATHS | 12 | 21 | 24 | 23 | 18 | 16 | 24 | 28 | 20 | 23 | 32 |
*Traffic fatality statistics reported here are subject to change. Changes in reported deaths may occur if an injured victim dies at some later date as a result of injuries sustained in a collision, or if a collision is later reclassified, or if the collision location is subsequently clarified to be in another jurisdiction.
†Total number of individuals killed in traffic collisions. Some collisions resulted in multiple fatalities.
Always use the cross-walk... and LOOK both ways before crossing the street.
Key Factors in Pedestrian Traffic Fatalities
- Jaywalking / not crossing at controlled intersections
- Pedestrian inattention
- Night time / visibility – dark, non-reflective clothing
- Alcohol / drug influence
- Pedestrians crossing non-residential, multi-lane roadways
The Traffic Investigations Unit encourages everyone to slow down and pay attention when driving or walking on roadways.
In recent years there's been a disturbingly high number of pedestrian fatalities in San Jose. In most of these cases the pedestrian was jaywalking or crossing mid-block rather than crossing the street at an intersection where signal lights or other control devices were present.
Historically factors that can lead to auto collisions involve not only alcohol or drug influence, but also include distractions such as cell phones, inattention, failure to obey basic traffic laws, and following roadway safety. These unfortunate and preventable incidents are occurring in all areas of the City, however, the majority of fatalities appear to be occurring on busier multi-lane roadways as compared to residential streets. A high percentage of the accidents occurred during darkness. Inattention of pedestrians also seems to be a very prevalent factor when examining these accidents.
When driving a motor vehicle it is important to stay focused on the roadway, pay attention to changing conditions occurring around you, and watch for pedestrians.
Pedestrians must be responsible and learn to cross the street at controlled intersections where signal lights or other control devices are present. Whether a pedestrian or driver, a fatal traffic collision is a traumatic - emotional and life-altering event, impacting the families and friends of all those involved.
The purpose of this website is to educate and inform the residents of San Jose regarding traffic related issues. The Traffic Investigations Unit encourages everyone to learn from this information, slow down and pay attention when driving or walking on roadways.