San Diego Ranks Second Highest for Car Accidents
A new LendingTree study finds San Diego records 28.2 accidents per 1,000 drivers.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Car Types
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In an October 2026 report, LendingTree ranked San Diego as the city with the second-highest rate of car accidents in the United States. Raleigh, North Carolina, currently holds the top spot with 29.1 accidents per 1,000 drivers.
Why it matters
The study highlights significant regional variations in traffic safety across the country. Understanding these accident distributions helps identify how local driving environments and demographics influence road risks.
San Diego reports 28.2 accidents per 1,000 drivers, trailing only Raleigh, North Carolina, at 29.1. California cities hold six of the top ten spots, including Los Angeles and San Francisco, which are tied for third with 26.9 accidents per 1,000 drivers.
The players
LendingTree
This is an online lending marketplace and financial services company that produces data-driven research on various consumer topics including automotive trends.
The details
The analysis evaluated accident frequencies across the 50 largest cities in the United States. It further categorized findings by vehicle make, noting that Ram drivers lead with 25.9 accidents per 1,000 drivers, and by age, showing that drivers aged 18 to 28 have a 33.1 rate.
Timeline
LendingTree released the study in October 2026.
Roadmap
This study underscores the ongoing challenge of traffic safety in high-density urban areas like San Diego and Los Angeles. It illustrates how data-driven analysis is becoming essential for automakers and insurers to understand risk profiles across different demographics and regions.
Drivers in cities with higher accident rates may see shifts in insurance premiums as providers adjust to local risk data. Being aware of these regional trends can encourage motorists to maintain defensive driving habits, regardless of their location.
The takeaway
Regional differences in accident rates demonstrate that location is a primary factor in driving risk profiles. Motorists should note that age and vehicle choice are also statistically significant variables when evaluating individual accident likelihood.
Further reading
For more on automotive trends, see the Car Types section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSWB 5/69.
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