Where Do Accidents Most Often Occur in Southern California?
Highest Accident Locations in Southern California
As a driver in Southern California, you might wonder where the most accident-prone locations are. While you can’t prevent all crashes from occurring, understanding where car accidents frequently occur can help you take extra precautions and potentially avoid a collision.
As attorneys who live and work in this community, we know how important it is to stay alert and aware of the most accident-prone spots in our area. To help you avoid a potentially serious accident, we’ve compiled a list of roads, freeways, and intersections where accidents most often occur in Southern California.
High-Accident Intersections in Southern California:
- Devonshire Street and Reseda Boulevard, Northridge: This intersection is a prime example of what happens when you mix heavy traffic with a confusing layout. Cars drive in all directions, trying to navigate through multiple lanes and turn signals. It’s a recipe for disaster, especially if drivers aren’t paying attention or get impatient.
- Imperial Highway and Vista Del Mar, Los Angeles: This intersection is located right near the beach and is busy at all hours due to a heavy volume of out-of-towners and tourists who may not be familiar with the area.
- Balboa Boulevard and Nordhoff Street, Northridge: This intersection is located in a busy commercial area with many shops and restaurants. Due to the commercial business located nearby, heavy foot traffic and cars are pulling in and out of parking lots. If drivers aren’t careful, it’s easy to miss a pedestrian or get sideswiped by another car.
- State Route 57 and Chapman Avenue, Fullerton: This major intersection sees high traffic, especially during rush hour. With so many cars trying to merge and change lanes, it’s no wonder accidents are common here. Plus, the speed limit is high, so even a minor fender bender can crash into a serious crash.
- Barranca Parkway and Culver Drive, Irvine: This intersection is located near several office buildings and tech companies, which means a large number of commuters pass through during peak hours, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
These intersections have a history of high accident rates due to heavy traffic, confusing layouts, and driver inattention. When approaching these intersections, it’s essential to remain focused, follow traffic signals, and be prepared for sudden stops or erratic behavior from other drivers.
Dangerous Roads in Southern California
- Pacific Coast Highway (PCH): The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is known for its stunning coastal views, but these views can also distract drivers, leading to accidents. Additionally, the PCH is prone to heavy fog, especially during early morning and late evening hours, which can significantly reduce visibility and make driving more hazardous.
- Mulholland Drive: Mulholland Drive is a winding, narrow road with steep drop-offs and limited visibility around curves. The road’s popularity among sightseers, tourists, and car enthusiasts can lead to increased traffic and risky driving behaviors, such as speeding and reckless overtaking.
- Malibu Canyon Road: Malibu Canyon Road is a scenic but treacherous route with sharp curves, blind corners, and narrow lanes. The road’s steep inclines and declines can be challenging for drivers, especially those operating larger vehicles or motorcycles, increasing the risk of accidents.
- Ortega Highway (State Route 74): The Ortega Highway (State Route 74) is a mountainous road with numerous switchbacks and hairpin turns, making it difficult for drivers to navigate safely. The road’s popularity among motorcyclists and recreational drivers can lead to excessive speeding and risky overtaking maneuvers, increasing the likelihood of accidents.
- Sunset Boulevard: Sunset Boulevard is a heavily trafficked road that passes through both residential and commercial areas, leading to a mix of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. The road’s numerous intersections and driver distractions, such as billboards and famous landmarks, can contribute to a higher risk of collisions.
High-Risk Freeways in Southern California
Southern California’s freeways are infamous for their heavy traffic, constant congestion, and high accident rates. The combination of high speeds, sudden lane changes, and distracted driving creates a perfect storm for collisions. Drivers navigating these freeways often find themselves in stop-and-go traffic, leading to frustration and impatience. This, in turn, may cause some motorists to engage in risky behaviors, such as weaving in and out of lanes, tailgating, or making abrupt maneuvers to gain a few seconds of time.
Moreover, the sheer volume of vehicles on these freeways during peak hours can make it challenging for drivers to maintain a safe following distance or react quickly to unexpected situations. Distracted driving, such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio, further compounds the problem, as it takes a driver’s attention away from the road and reduces their ability to respond to potential hazards.
Some of the most dangerous freeways in Southern California include:
- Interstate 405 (San Diego Freeway)
- Interstate 5 (Santa Ana Freeway)
- Interstate 10 (San Bernardino Freeway)
- Interstate 110 (Harbor Freeway)
- State Route 91 (Riverside Freeway)
Contact Our Accident Lawyers
Unfortunately, even the most cautious drivers can be involved in an accident due to others’ negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, call an experienced Fontana car accident attorney at our law firm.
With a dedicated and compassionate lawyer at William D. Shapiro Law, Inc. on your side, you can rest easier after a serious auto accident. Call our law firm at (909) 890-1000 or fill out our confidential contact form to get started with a free consultation.
William Shapiro has handled catastrophic injury/wrongful death actions for over 4 decades obtaining numerous seven and eight-figure verdicts and settlements. Honors include: 2022, 2016 and 2013 OCTLA “Top Gun” TLY; 2022 CAOC TLY Finalist; 2018 “Lifetime Achievement Award” Western State College of Law, 2021 & 2017 Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year; 2016 WSBCBA “TLY”; 2015 CAL-ABOTA “TLY”; 2014 “TLY” Consumer Attorneys of CAOIE; 2011 “Hall of Fame,” Western State College of Law; Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers; International Academy of Trial Lawyers; International Society of Barristers; Diplomat, American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA); National Board of Trial Advocacy; specialist in Trial Advocacy, State Bar of California; “Best Lawyers in America” and “Tier 1 Best Law Firms” U.S. News; AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell; SuperLawyers; Past President of: San Bernardino/Riverside chapter ABOTA; San Bernardino County Bar Association; Consumer Attorneys of Inland Empire; The Joseph. B. Campbell American Inn of Court; Consumer Attorneys of California; IE ; National Sec of ABOTA, Adjunct professor, Western State College of Law. Learn more here.