7 Most Dangerous Roads in California: What You Need to Know

Dangerous driving has been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic and has not let up since. If you use a freeway for work or get around where you live, you’ve probably noticed an uptick in minor and serious car accidents. Certain freeways in California are more dangerous than others due to sharp curves, narrow lanes, traffic volume, and low visibility. According to a recent report from ConsumerAffairs, car accident fatalities increased 17% from 2018 to 2022 in California. Find out the most dangerous roads in California by reading below. 

Interstate 15 in San Bernardino County

California’s deadliest stretch of road is located in Hesperia, about 35 miles north of downtown San Bernardino. The stretch of I-15 between Exit 138 and Exit 129 is recognized as the most hazardous part of the highway. 

In total, the 1-15 in San Bernardino witnessed 48 deaths in 2022, up from 33 in 2018. Overall, San Bernardino County was the deadliest county in the state, with more than 20 fatal accidents per 100,000 residents recorded in 2022.  

Interstate 10 in Riverside County

After San Bernardino County, Riverside County had the second-highest number of fatal crashes in California. The country reported 31 deaths in 2022, an increase from 25 in 2018. Speeding was a factor in 12 of the 31 fatalities. 

Interstate 5 in San Diego County 

The I-5 in San Diego County experienced 21 deaths in 2022, up from 19 in 2018. 

The sections of the I-5 freeway in San Diego County from Sa San Ysidro Blvd to Marina Pkwy in Chula Vista and Harbor Drive to Hawthorn Street/Airport exit had the most accidents compared to other parts of the freeway. 

Interstate 5 in Orange County 

Again, the I-5 is one of the freeways with the most accidents. In Orange County, the 1-5 passes through Anaheim, which saw a record-breaking 25 million visitors in 2023. This stretch of the I-5 freeway had 16 deaths in 2022, up from 14 in 2018. 

U.S. 101 in Santa Barbara County 

The U.S. 101, known as the Pacific Coast Highway or PCH, sees significant traffic congestion, especially during peak travel times. Due to a lack of a passing lane on this two-lane highway, impatient drivers often make dangerous and illegal moves to pass slower vehicles. Plans to install HOV lanes aim to alleviate some of this congestion. In 2022, there were 12 fatal accidents, up from 10 in 2018.

State Route 138 in San Bernardino and Los Angeles County 

State Road 138, also known as the Pearblossom Highway, is infamous for its tight curves and steep roads. This stretch, often called “Death Road,” sees about ten fatal accidents yearly. In 2022, there were 11 fatalities, consistent with previous years. 

Interstate 80 in Alameda County

Interstate 80, particularly the stretch passing through Richmond and San Pablo, is notorious for its high accident rate. In 2022, there were 18 fatal crashes, up from 15 in 2018. The combination of heavy traffic and frequent lane changes contributes to the danger on this road.

Southern California: A Hotspot for Fatal Accidents

Southern California experiences the highest number of deadly accidents, with speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving as the primary contributing factors. 

Speed cameras will be installed in San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Glendale to reduce some of these speed-related accidents. If a driver goes 11 mph or more over the speed limit, the driver will be issued a ticket. The proposed locations for these speed cameras can be found here. 

What Causes Most Fatal Crashes?

According to a study released by Moneygeek, which analyzed 10,370 fatal crashes, the main contributing factors that led to fatal accidents were speeding, drunk drivers, and the time of day. 

Speeding

Speeding caused nearly a third (31%) of all fatal car crashes in 2022. This represents a 5% increase from 2018, when speeding accounted for 26% of deadly crashes. Many reports have pointed to a rise in speeding since the pandemic when streets were empty. 

Greater speeds on highways and in HOV lanes often lead to deadly accidents. In 2024, a new bill was proposed to add visual and audio signals to new vehicles going more than five miles over the legal speed limit. 

Drunk Driving

While drunk driving fatalities in California decreased from 24% in 2018 to 13% in 2022, the chance of being in a drunk driving accident is still high. According to the California Highway Patrol, nearly 30% of all Americans will be involved in an alcohol-related accident at some point in their life. 

In addition to alcohol-related accidents, more accidents are being caused by drivers under the influence of marijuana. If a driver is swerving, running red lights, or violating any other traffic law while impaired, they can be charged with a DUI. 

Nighttime

It’s no secret that driving at night is more dangerous. Most fatal accidents occur between 6 pm and midnight. This is typically because drivers have less visibility and a shorter reaction time, especially when driving at high speeds. 

Nighttime also sees an increase in accidents with pedestrians and bicyclists, who are even harder to see than vehicles. 

What to Do After a Car Accident 

Being involved in a car accident on a busy freeway or highway is incredibly distressing. Your nerves will be shot, and your mind will be spinning. If you can, do the following to protect yourself. 

1. Stay calm, assess the situation, and move your vehicle to the side of the freeway. 
2. Call 911 if there are any injuries or serious damage to the vehicles. 
3. Exchange contact information with the other party and any witnesses involved.
4. Obtain a copy of the police report or the number of the report.
5. Do not discuss fault with the police or the other party. Only state the facts of the accident. 
6. Notify your insurance company and the DMV that you were in an accident. 
7. Consider speaking with a personal injury lawyer for legal advice. 

Consult an Orange County Car Accident Lawyer 

If you were in a car crash in Orange County, San Diego, Los Angeles, or another part of California, you may be entitled to compensation if the other party acted negligently. Negligence can be tricky to establish, which is why consulting with a personal injury attorney can help immensely. 

The Law Offices of Daniel Kim is a top-rated personal injury law firm serving clients across California. Our car accident lawyer can help you file a claim against the negligent party, working with their insurance company to obtain the compensation you deserve. 

Whether your accident was caused by speeding, texting and driving, or drunk driving, our experienced law office can get started immediately on your case. Call us today for a free consultation.