Los Angeles is infamous for its traffic congestion. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to LAX, or navigating the freeways on a weekend, chances are you’ll encounter delays. Understanding the busiest times and roads to travel in and around Los Angeles can help you plan ahead, reduce stress, and lower your risk of a car accident.
Traffic congestion doesn’t just cause frustration—it increases the likelihood of crashes, especially in high-risk areas. At M&Y Law Company, our car accident lawyers have seen how heavy traffic, aggressive driving, and hazardous road conditions contribute to collisions. In this guide, we’ll break down LA’s worst traffic hotspots, peak travel times, and ways to stay safe on the road.
The Worst Roads for Traffic in Los Angeles
If you’ve driven in LA, you know that some roads are consistently clogged with vehicles. Below are the most congested highways and streets where accidents are more likely to happen:
1. I-405 (San Diego Freeway)
The I-405 is notorious for gridlock, especially between the 101 Freeway in the San Fernando Valley and the 10 Freeway in West LA. This stretch is one of the busiest corridors in the country, with rush hour delays lasting for hours.
🚘 Peak Traffic Times:
- Morning: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Evening: 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🚨 Accident Risks:
- Stop-and-go traffic leading to rear-end collisions
- High volume of lane changes increasing sideswipe accidents
- Aggressive drivers weaving through lanes
2. I-10 (Santa Monica Freeway / San Bernardino Freeway)
Running east-west, I-10 connects the Pacific Coast to the Inland Empire. It’s one of the most heavily traveled routes for commuters heading downtown.
🚘 Peak Traffic Times:
- Morning: 6:30 AM – 9:30 AM
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 7:30 PM
🚨 Accident Risks:
- Frequent stop-and-go conditions
- Distracted drivers causing sudden braking accidents
- High number of on-ramps and off-ramps leading to merging conflicts
3. US-101 (Hollywood Freeway / Ventura Freeway)
The 101 Freeway runs through downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, and the San Fernando Valley, making it a major traffic hotspot.
🚘 Peak Traffic Times:
- Morning: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM
- Evening: 3:30 PM – 7:00 PM
🚨 Accident Risks:
- Congested interchanges (especially near I-110 and I-405)
- Distracted driving due to sightseeing (Hollywood landmarks attract tourists)
- Frequent fender benders during rush hour
4. CA-60 (Pomona Freeway)
Connecting downtown LA to the Inland Empire, CA-60 is a key trucking route, making it especially dangerous for commuters.
🚘 Peak Traffic Times:
- Morning: 7:00 AM – 9:30 AM
- Evening: 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🚨 Accident Risks:
- High volume of commercial trucks leading to blind-spot collisions
- Speeding and aggressive merging near the 605 interchange
- Nighttime crashes due to fatigued truck drivers
5. Sepulveda Boulevard
For those looking to avoid freeway gridlock, Sepulveda Boulevard is a common alternative. However, it’s also one of the most congested surface streets, especially around LAX and West LA.
🚘 Peak Traffic Times:
- Morning: 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM
- Evening: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
🚨 Accident Risks:
- Pedestrian-heavy areas increasing the risk of crashes
- Sudden stops due to traffic lights and crosswalks
- High likelihood of fender benders during rush hour
When Are the Worst Times to Drive in LA?
If you want to avoid traffic, try not to drive during these peak congestion hours:
🕒 Morning Rush Hour: 6:30 AM – 10:00 AM
🕒 Evening Rush Hour: 3:30 PM – 7:30 PM
🚨 Additional High-Traffic Periods:
- Fridays after 2:00 PM – Weekend traffic starts early, especially on freeways leading out of the city.
- Weekends near tourist spots – Expect heavy traffic around Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Griffith Park.
- Holidays and major events – Sporting events, concerts, and award shows create additional gridlock.
How Traffic Congestion Leads to Accidents
Heavy traffic conditions create a perfect storm for collisions. Common accident causes in high-traffic areas include:
🔹 Rear-End Collisions – Frequent braking increases the chances of being hit from behind.
🔹 Sideswipe Accidents – Drivers making aggressive lane changes in stop-and-go traffic.
🔹 Distracted Driving Crashes – Texting, eating, or adjusting navigation while stuck in traffic.
🔹 Road Rage Incidents – Frustrated drivers engaging in reckless behavior.
🔹 Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents – Increased foot traffic near busy streets and intersections.
Tips to Stay Safe on LA’s Busiest Roads
To reduce your risk of an accident, follow these safety tips:
✅ Plan Your Route in Advance – Use navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to check traffic conditions before leaving.
✅ Avoid Rush Hour When Possible – Shift your schedule to travel during off-peak hours.
✅ Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions – Keep your focus on the road, especially in stop-and-go traffic.
✅ Leave Extra Following Distance – Give yourself space to react to sudden stops.
✅ Use Public Transit or Carpool – Metro rail, buses, and rideshare services can reduce your time on congested roads.
Injured in a Car Accident? Contact M&Y Law Company
Even if you’re a cautious driver, accidents still happen—especially on the busiest roads in and around Los Angeles. If you’ve been injured due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At M&Y Law Company, our experienced car accident lawyers fight to ensure accident victims get the justice they deserve.
📞 Call us today for a free consultation or fill out our online form to discuss your case. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you need.
