Per California’s Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), 2024 saw a total of 3,786 traffic fatalities. Out of these, 744 deaths came from Los Angeles County. With heavily trafficked areas such as Long Beach, Glendale and Santa Clarita, it’s no wonder that Los Angeles County residents stand a higher chance of a traffic fatality. In fact, Los Angeles County is home to an estimated 7.9 million cars, which is the highest in the country.

 

Which Counties in CA Have the Most Traffic Fatalities?

Aside from Los Angeles County, which had more than double the fatalities of the second ranked county on the list, the most dangerous places to drive in CA include:

  • San Bernardino County – 345
  • San Diego County – 298
  • Riverside County – 279
  • Orange County – 190
  • Kern County – 190
  • Fresno County – 163
  • Sacramento County – 155
  • San Joaquin County – 143
  • Alameda County – 104

To put these numbers into context, the entire city of Chicago had 109 traffic fatalities in 2024. Meanwhile, New York City had 253 fatalities caused by traffic. Of course, New York City only has around 2.2 million registered vehicles, and Chicago has 1.18 million. Even the broader TxDOT Houston district, which includes six counties, doesn’t have the traffic of LA County. In total, TxDOT Houston district has approximately 5.5 million cars. Traffic fatalities there hit 339 in 2024. When compared to LA County’s 744 deaths, though, it becomes easy to see what areas are most dangerous.

Which Roads Are Most Dangerous in California?

It’s important to keep in mind that certain roads are much more dangerous than others. Therefore, if you can avoid going on these roadways, you’ll improve your odds. This doesn’t mean that traffic accidents and fatalities can’t happen anywhere, of course. While you wait for changes to be made to road safety in these areas, however, it’s a wise idea to steer clear of.

  • I-5 – Los Angeles County, 1,544 accidents and 29 fatalities
  • I-5 – San Diego County, 1,023 accidents and 38 fatalities
  • I-280 – Santa Clara County, 320 accidents and three fatalities
  • Hwy 99 – San Joaquin County, 350 accidents and 15 fatalities
  • Hwy 99 – Fresno County, 270 accidents and four fatalities
  • I-40 – San Bernardino County, 99 accidents and 15 fatalities
  • I-80 – San Francisco County, 234 accidents and six fatalities

Most Frequent Causes of California’s Traffic Fatalities

There are four main categories that California’s traffic fatalities fall into. First is impaired driving, also known as driving under the influence (DUI). Much like the rest of the country, approximately 30% of fatal crashes happen because of alcohol or drugs. DUIs and distracted driving are believed to be the leading two causes of traffic fatalities. Some sources even claim that distracted driving has moved into first place.

Other leading causes include speeding and failure to follow traffic laws. In fact, it’s believed that speeding is directly linked to more than 1,000 annual deaths in California alone. Finally, ignoring stop lights, running red lights and unsafe lane changes also result in a high number of traffic fatalities.