• Trinity County tops the list as the deadliest county in California for roadway departure crashes, with 50.04 fatalities per 100,000 residents.
  • Sierra and Modoc counties follow closely, recording 37.68 and 36.91 fatalities per 100,000 residents, respectively.
  • Conversely, San Francisco, Orange, and San Mateo counties recorded some of the lowest roadway departure fatality rates in the state.

A new study revealed that between 2019 and 2023, drivers in Trinity County, California, faced the highest risk of fatal roadway departure crashes.

The research conducted by Kuzyk Law analyzed fatal roadway departure crash data from the Federal Crash Data Query Tool (CDAN). The study measured Average Fatal Roadway Departure Crashes per 100,000 residents, with higher numbers indicating a greater risk of fatal crashes involving vehicles leaving the roadway.

Trinity County ranks first with 50.04 fatal roadway departure crashes per 100,000 residents, a staggering 341% higher than the California statewide average of 11.33 roadway departure crashes per 100,000 residents. Among its population of 15,189, Trinity recorded an annual average of 7.6 fatal roadway departure crashes between 2019 and 2023. The highest number of crashes occurred in 2021 with 12 incidents, while the lowest occurred in 2022 with five incidents.

Sierra County ranks second with 37.68 fatal roadway departure crashes per 100,000 residents, 232% higher than the California statewide average of 11.33 roadway departure crashes per 100,000 residents. With a population of 3,185, Sierra recorded an annual average of 1.2 fatal roadway departure crashes between 2019 and 2023. The most crashes occurred in 2019 with three incidents, while the lowest occurred in 2021 with zero incidents.

Modoc County ranks third with 36.91 fatal roadway departure crashes per 100,000 residents, 226% higher than the California statewide average of 11.33 roadway departure crashes per 100,000 residents. Among its 8,670 residents, Modoc recorded an annual average of 3.2 fatal roadway departure crashes between 2019 and 2023. The highest number of crashes occurred in 2019 and 2020, with five incidents each, while the lowest occurred in 2021, 2022, and 2023, with two incidents each.

Looking at the study, a spokesperson from Kuzyk Law commented:

Roadway departure crashes remain one of the deadliest types of traffic collisions, especially in rural and mountainous regions of California. These areas often have winding roads, limited lighting, and higher speeds, all contributing to loss-of-control incidents.

“By identifying the most at-risk counties, local and state authorities can target safety investments such as improved signage, guardrails, and rumble strips to help reduce these preventable fatalities.”

Alpine County ranks fourth with 34.45 fatalities per 100,000 residents, 204% higher than the California statewide average of 11.33 roadway departure crashes per 100,000 residents. With a population of 1,161, Alpine recorded an annual average of 0.4 fatal roadway departure crashes from 2019 to 2023. The highest number of crashes occurred in 2020 and 2022, with one each, while the lowest occurred in 2019, 2021, and 2023, with zero.

Siskiyou County ranks fifth with 23.81 fatalities per 100,000 residents, 110% higher than the California statewide average of 11.33 roadway departure crashes per 100,000 residents. Among its 43,674 residents, Siskiyou recorded an annual average of 10.4 fatal roadway departure crashes between 2019 and 2023. The highest number of crashes occurred in 2022 with 16 incidents, while the lowest occurred in 2020 with six incidents.

Inyo County ranks sixth with 23.59 fatal roadway departure crashes per 100,000 residents, followed by Calaveras (7th, 22.55), Amador (8th, 20.99), Mono (9th, 20.83), and Colusa (10th, 20.11).

Table of Extended Results:

Top 10 California Counties with Highest Fatal Roadway Departure Crash Rates
California Counties Fatal Roadway Departure Crashes per 100,000 residents Rank
Trinity 50.04 1
Sierra 37.68 2
Modoc 36.91 3
Alpine 34.45 4
Siskiyou 23.81 5
Inyo 23.59 6
Calaveras 22.55 7
Amador 20.99 8
Mono 20.83 9
Colusa 20.11 10

The study was conducted by Kuzyk Law, a law firm specializing in representation for car accidents, premises liability, wrongful death, bike, pedestrian, and catastrophic injury claims. With over four decades of experience and a track record serving 100,000+ clients, they offer free consultations and no upfront fees.

Methodology

The study analyzed Fatal Road Departure Crash Data from 2019 to 2023 across all 58 California counties using the Federal Crash Data Query Tool (CDAN). It measured the Average number of Fatal Road Departure Crashes per 100,000 residents, identifying counties where drivers faced the greatest risk of losing control and leaving the roadway.

Data Source