More than 6,500 fatal traffic accidents occurred in California over a recent two-year span. This makes California the second-highest state in terms of motor vehicle accident fatalities. Only the state of Texas had more traffic deaths within the same time.
Many of these deadly collisions took place on a high-speed roadway. In fact, almost 40% of the crashes happened on a U.S. highway, state highway, or interstate.
California has a vast state highway system. The state boasts more than 16,000 miles of highways, with more than 50,000 miles of lanes.
Many drivers wonder about the most dangerous stretches of California highways. Knowing which areas present the highest likelihood of fatal crashes can help motorists avoid needless accidents and injuries.
Are Some Stretches of Highway More Dangerous Than Others?
Some motorists might wonder if all California state highways are equally hazardous. After all, most highways have wide lanes and few sharp curves.
However, some portions of California highways and interstates present more dangers than others. The following data represent statistics from 2017 to 2019.
During these years, certain stretches of California highways presented a much higher likelihood of collisions and fatalities than others.
The stretch of highway that caused the most fatalities was a 4.5-mile portion of I-15 near Hesperia. This stretch of road accounted for 19 fatal collisions from 2017 to 2019.
The second most dangerous highway segment was a 5-mile segment of I-80 near Berkeley. This portion of the road was the site of 17 fatalities.
Another 5-mile stretch of I-80 was the third most deadly area on California’s highway system. This section of the road runs near Richmond and San Pablo. Between 2017 and 2019, there were 18 fatalities on this stretch of road.
The fourth most deadly road was a stretch of I-5 near Sacramento. This highway segment is nearly five miles long and accounted for 16 fatalities.
Where Are Most Deadly Highway Segments Located?
Most of the dangerous stretches of California’s State Highways are in the southern part of the state, even though three of the four most dangerous are located in the northern half.
When considered by county, Los Angeles County is home to the most dangerous of California’s roadways when based on the total number of fatalities. San Bernadino County is second, followed by Riverside Counter.
Other dangerous portions of highway include:
- The San Diego Freeway
- Golden State Freeway
- State Route 138
- Ronald Reagan Freeway
- And more
One of the most surprising stretches of dangerous roads revealed by the data is a portion of SR-22 near Garden Grove in Southern California. This small stretch of road was the location of 13 fatalities from 2017 to 2019.
Legal Representation in a California Collision
When you or someone you love has been hurt in a California traffic accident, it is vital to speak with a legal professional. Deadly collisions cause unimaginable pain for the surviving family of accident victims.
Fortunately, the deceased’s survivors often have the option of pursuing justice through a wrongful death claim. If another person’s negligent behavior caused the collision, they could be held legally accountable. If you have lost someone on one of California’s deadliest stretches of highway, do not wait. Having a legal representative by your side will help to ensure the best outcome for you and your family.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Los Angeles, CA
If you were injured in an accident in Los Angeles, CA or you lost a loved one and you need legal assistance, please contact us to schedule a free consultation. One of our Los Angeles auto accident attorneys at M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers will get in touch with you soon.
M&Y Personal Injury Lawyers – Los Angeles Office
4929 Wilshire Blvd Suite 960,
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(877) 300-4535