The Deadliest Highway Stretches in California
California is not only the third largest state in the U.S., with over 155,000 miles of land, but it also features the largest population, with nearly 40 million residents, according to U.S. Census Bureau reports. It should come as no surprise, then, that traffic conditions can be problematic, and some stretches of roadway are worse than others.
The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration recognizes over 396,000 total lane miles in California, including rural and urban roadways. Of this number, over 15,000 are made up of interstate highways, and nearly 11,000 are other freeways and expressways.
Although city streets and intersections are not immune to dangers, high speeds common to highways can increase the severity of even minor accidents, like sideswipes and rear-end collisions.
Before you merge on the I-5 near an urban center or hop on the I-15 to head to Vegas, you should know that you might be on a stretch of highway where fatal car crashes are common.
Interstate 15 Through Hesperia
The 4.5 miles of I-15, starting at Cajon Junction and winding through the high desert region of Hesperia in San Bernardino County, tops the list of the deadliest stretches of highway in the state. A 2-year study of crashes found that 19 fatalities occurred along this section of roadway.
If you’re familiar with the area, it’s not hard to figure out why this area is so dangerous. Anyone who’s driven from Los Angeles to Las Vegas has chugged up the 20-mile Cajon Pass, where you’ll gain over 3,500 feet of elevation.
Once you’re through and away from city traffic, the road opens up, and drivers looking to make time are prone to speeding, which can lead to more accidents, not to mention more serious outcomes. Overall, speeding is a factor in 28% of fatal accidents on California’s deadliest highways. Drunk driving comes in at a close second in 27% of deadly crashes.
Interstate 80 Through the East Bay
I-80 takes the number two and three spots on the list of the deadliest stretches of highway, with two locations in San Francisco’s East Bay.
The distance between Albany and the Bay Bridge is less than seven miles long, but this stretch of roadway had 17 fatalities from 15 crashes over two years. Just a few miles north, along a 7-mile stretch of the I-80 that runs through Richmond, San Pablo, and Pinole, there were 13 fatal crashes resulting in 18 deaths.
Interstate 5 North of Sacramento
This north/south freeway passes through some of the most populated areas in California, including Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Diego. A stretch just under five miles long immediately north of Sacramento is the deadliest, accounting for 16 fatalities from 13 crashes.
How To Stay Safe on California’s Deadly Roadways
You can’t control the actions of other drivers. Whether they’re driving distracted or drunk or they just aren’t paying attention, you could find yourself in a dicey situation any time you get behind the wheel and head out on California roadways.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Defensive driving is vital on busy California roadways, and being aware of traffic around you can help you spot potential problems and react accordingly.
Always follow the rules of the road and maintain your vehicle to ensure you aren’t the cause of accidents. Santa Ana Personal Injury Attorneys can provide valuable insights into your legal responsibilities. By learning where the most dangerous intersections and stretches of highway are, you can seek alternative routes to avoid trouble zones.
Contact the California Car Accident Lawyers at The Simon Law Group Today
For more information, please contact an experienced car accident lawyer at The Simon Law Group to schedule a free initial consultation today. We have three convenient locations in California, including Torrance, Hermosa Beach, and Santa Ana, CA. We also have offices in Phoenix, AZ, and Austin, TX.
We proudly serve Los Angeles County and Orange County, CA, and its surrounding areas:
The Simon Law Group – Torrance, CA Office
2916 W 164th St Second Floor,
Torrance, CA 90504
(424) 622-0812
The Simon Law Group – Hermosa Beach, CA Office
34 Hermosa Ave,
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
(424) 722-3209
The Simon Law Group – Santa Ana, CA Office
1327 N Broadway,
Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 581-8546
