California’s heavy traffic and diverse road conditions lead to thousands of deadly crashes each year. When a fatal accident is caused by another driver’s negligence, there is an added layer of tragedy and confusion. For you and your loved ones to reach your destinations safely, it’s important to stay informed of fatal accident trends and statistics.
Continue reading to learn about traffic-related wrongful death trends in California.
Auto Accident Rates: Key Takeaways
In 2023, California had a total of 4,061 traffic-related fatalities.
- 2,260 (56%) of fatal accidents were single-vehicle crashes, meaning only one vehicle was involved in the accident. 1,801 (44%) involved multiple vehicles.
- Cars are involved in fatal crashes more than any other vehicle. In 2023, 33% of auto accident deaths were driving or riding in a car; 19% were in an SUV or pickup truck; 14% were motorcyclists.
- Large truck drivers made up less than 1% of accident deaths, but drivers should still be aware of the danger their huge vehicles create on the road.
Top Causes of California Auto Accidents
Accidents can happen at any moment, but driver carelessness can greatly increase the risk. If you have lost a loved one to a crash with a negligent driver, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim. The most common examples of driver negligence include:
- Speeding: Driving over the speed limit reduces driver reaction time and inhibits safety structures, such as barriers or guardrails, from preventing crashes. In 2023, speeding was involved in 29% of traffic-related deaths.
- Distracted Driving: The NSC reports that the percentage of drivers using cell phones while driving has increased by 36% in the last decade.
- Alcohol-Impaired Driving: Defined as driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) over the legal limit of 0.08%, drunk driving is a very common cause of traffic-related wrongful death. Of the 4,061 traffic fatalities in 2023, 42% involved alcohol-impaired drivers.
- Tired Driving: Driving while fatigued or sleep-deprived is incredibly dangerous. At best, tired drivers have slower reaction times and are unfocused on the road. At worst, they could fall asleep at the wheel. This is a common cause of trucking accidents, whose long hours and shipping deadlines may cause them to attempt to push through exhaustion, leading to devastating accidents.
Sharing the Road with Large Trucks
Large commercial trucks can easily overtake most cars, causing catastrophic injury or death in a single moment of careless driving. In 2020, California held the second-highest fatal truck accident rate in the nation, with 364 fatal accidents. It’s important to understand that when a truck driver is negligent, he or she is a danger to others on the road: 72% of fatal trucking accidents caused the death of the other driver. In addition, truck accident lawsuits are more complex because there may be multiple parties found liable for your damages.
Most Dangerous Roads in California
These highways present some of the highest accident rates in California, making it necessary for drivers to be wary of dangerous road conditions.
- Interstate 15: This highway stretches the length of the state. Travelers frequently collide due to traffic, high speeds, and the wide demographic of drivers.
- US-99: One of the most perilous roads in the United States, US-99 carries many commercial trucks through Central California’s differing weather conditions.
- State Route 138: This route connects I-15 and I-5 through extreme driving conditions, passing through both desert and mountain landscapes. Drivers need to take care of winding roads and inclines.
- Highway 17: Particularly well-known for its increasingly high accident rate, this road was constructed with sharp turns and narrow lanes.
- State Route 2: This scenic road, with a 7,000-foot incline and sudden curves, is host to much tourist traffic in only two lanes.
When traveling along these infamous California highways, it’s necessary to take extra precautions and drive with care.
Kern County Residents: What You Need to Know
With its mix of urban and rural areas, Kern County has a wide variety of vehicles, speeds, driver demographics, and road conditions that lead to accidents every day. To keep residents informed, we compiled important accident trends specific to the area:
- In 2022, Kern County reported 5,561 auto accidents.
- Kern County is home to two of the deadliest roads in California: On this Top 10 list, Route 178 and Route 99 tie for ninth place.
- Some of the most dangerous intersections in Kern County include Rosamond Blvd & B Street, Union Ave & California Ave, and SR-43 & Garces Highway.
All drivers need to take precautions in order to drive safely in this high-risk area. When another driver’s negligence causes a deadly accident, you and your loved ones deserve justice. That’s why you need a top Kern County auto accident lawyer by your side.
California Car Accident Attorneys You Can Trust
If you have lost a loved one in an accident due to the carelessness of another, it’s important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. For compassionate care and a record of successful case results, speak to the car accident attorneys at Rodriguez & Associates. Our attorneys will help you navigate the complexities of a wrongful death claim to help you and your family secure justice and begin to move forward.
In the event of an accident, trust the experienced attorneys at Rodriguez & Associates to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation.