Whether you commute by using one of Los Angeles’ many congested freeways or bike to work on surface streets, you’ve most likely come across a car accident. Car accidents are unfortunately a common sight on L.A. streets, and new data looking into 2022 car accident statistics doesn’t look good for motorists, pedestrians, or cyclists. Despite the city’s Vision Zero plan to eliminate traffic deaths by 2025, traffic accidents and fatalities have been on the rise across Los Angeles. Continue reading to find out why.

Los Angeles Traffic Fatalities

According to a report issued by Los Angeles-based advocacy group Streets Are For Everyone (known as SAFE), there were 312 traffic deaths in 2022, the highest number in 20 years.

Their report, which pulled data from the UC Berkeley Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) and the Los Angeles Police Department Open Data Portal, found that traffic deaths in 2022:

• increased by 5% since 2021
• increased by 28% since 2020

As for the reason for the steep increase in 2022, SAFE’S executive director told LAMag that failure to respect the speed limit and distracted driving were two major factors for the increase in traffic-related deaths. In addition, the Los Angeles Times reported that L.A.’s traffic accidents outpaced national trends.

The Times said, “The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that fatalities from traffic crashes were essentially flat nationwide in the first nine months of 2022 compared with 2021. Fatalities among cyclists and pedestrians rose nationwide last year but were lower than the percentage rise seen in L.A.” 

Pedestrians and Cyclists Are More At Risk

Pedestrians and cyclists continue to be the most vulnerable people on the road, especially in busy metropolitan areas like Los Angeles. The report found that pedestrian fatalities were up by 20% from 2021, accounting for 159 of the 312 total traffic fatalities. Bicyclist fatalities also increased by 18%, accounting for 21 deaths. In contrast, motor vehicle fatalities dropped by 8% in 2022.

Most Common Causes of Los Angeles Traffic Accidents

While no official data has been released about the cause of traffic collisions in 2022, SAFE analyzed data from previous years to determine the most likely causes of traffic accidents in Los Angeles. The report found that speeding was the number one cause of injuries and fatalities, accounting for 34.8% of all collisions. Other factors include: 

• Improper turning
• Driving under the influence
• Automobile right of way 
• Traffic signals and signs
• Unsafe lane changes
• Pedestrian violation
• Pedestrian right of way

Another big factor: distracted driving. It’s no secret that distracted driving is a major cause for preventable traffic collisions, not just in L.A., but across the U.S. According to the NHTSA, 3,142 traffic deaths were caused by distracted drivers in 2020. 

In Los Angeles, common distracted driving habits include texting, talking, eating and drinking, applying makeup, or personal grooming.

Dangerous Streets and Intersections in Los Angeles

The second largest city in the U.S., Los Angeles has a population of nearly 4 million residents spread out across 88 cities and over 400 neighborhoods. L.A. consists of over 6,500 miles of streets, encompassing busy interstates and highways, congested intersections, and quiet neighborhood streets. Below are some of the most dangerous intersections and streets in Los Angeles County:

• Western Ave.
• Figueroa St.
• Hollywood Blvd. and N. Highland Ave.
• San Pedro St. and Washington Blvd.
• Florence Ave. and Vermont Ave.
• Avalon Blvd. and Imperial Hwy.
• Sherman Way and Sepulveda Blvd.
• Balboa Blvd. and Saticoy St.
• Cahuenga Blvd. and Selma Ave.
• Sierra Hwy.
• I-405 
• I-5 
• I-10

If You Have Been Injured in a Los Angeles Traffic Accident

Our personal injury law firm can help if you or someone you know has been injured or killed in a traffic accident. Our experienced Los Angeles personal injury attorney, Daniel Kim, will help you navigate the legal complexities of filing a personal injury claim and recovering financial compensation. As part of our contingency fee arrangement, we never charge for our services until you get paid. The Law Offices of Daniel Kim offers a 100% free consultation to get started. Call us at (310) 295-1087 or fill out an online form.