California Car Accident Statistics: Trends, Hotspots, and Safety Tips

California is one of America’s hotspots for traffic accidents. Densely packed urban areas and unusual road conditions can exacerbate other factors that often lead to crashes, such as speeding, distracted driving and aggressive behavior. By educating yourself about accident trends, high-risk areas, and effective safety tips, you can make smarter decisions and stay safer on California’s roadways.

How Common Are Car Accidents in California?

The latest data reported by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that there were 4,428 motor vehicle crash deaths in California in 2022, averaging 11.2 deaths per every 100,000 people in the state. California saw the most motor vehicle accident deaths in the U.S. that year and accounted for 10% of all traffic fatalities in the nation.

Car accidents are becoming startlingly more common year-over-year as well. Data from the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) indicates that there were 17,770 serious car accident injuries in California in 2022, well above the 5-year average of 16,769 serious injuries.

Who Is Most Likely To Have a Car Accident?

Each age demographic experiences different risk factors while behind the wheel. For example, older adults aged 65 or above might experience stiff joints, slower reaction times or impairments in vision and hearing. Each of these factors, regardless of how minor, can contribute to the likelihood of an accident.

However, teens remain the highest-risk demographic for car crashes in California. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) reports that the number of teen drivers involved in fatal crashes increased by 14.8% in 2021, increasing to 474 from the previous year.

Teen accidents are more common not only because of the drivers’ relative inexperience but also because of their likelihood to speed or drive while distracted. Teens may also be more likely to drive at night or on weekends, which tend to be the most dangerous times to be on the road, regardless of age or experience.

Who Is in the Most Danger in a Vehicle Accident?

In 2022, California saw the most car occupant fatalities in the nation at 1,481. However, data from the IIHS also shows that California was in the top three for pickup/SUV occupant, motorcyclist, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities. In particular, California single-handedly accounted for 15% of the nation’s pedestrian fatalities.

Not only are pedestrian accidents tragically common in California, but pedestrians are also at a much greater risk of severe injury when an accident happens. Motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians all have much less protection than the occupants of a full-sized vehicle. Even a vehicle traveling at less than 20 miles per hour can cause a devastating or fatal injury to pedestrians and other unprotected road users.

What Is the Leading Cause of Car Accidents?

The OTS data suggests that impaired driving is the leading cause of car accidents in the state. In 2021, 52.9% of all tested drivers killed in motor vehicle crashes had drugs in their system, either legally or illegally. Alcohol-impaired driving fatalities also increased by 16% from 2020 to 2021.

Distracted driving is another chief cause of car accidents. According to a 2023 OTS survey, 74.2% of California residents responded that distracted driving is their biggest traffic safety concern. In 2021, there were 140 fatalities in California from crashes caused by distracted drivers, which shows just how serious and concerning this problem is.

Where Do Most Accidents Happen?

According to the IIHS, 73% of crash deaths in California occurred in urban areas in 2022. California’s cities and highways feature complex intersections, dense traffic and an abundance of roadside distractions. This puts everyone at risk, especially pedestrians and cyclists.

California’s deadliest stretches of road include I-15 between exits 138 and 129 and I-80 between exits 14A and 8A. These 5-mile stretches saw 19 and 15 fatal accidents, respectively, during a two-year study period. These examples illustrate the dangers of high-speed interstate highways, especially on stretches near urban areas.

What Types of Injuries Do Car Accidents Cause?

There are many types of car accidents, and each scenario can affect vehicle occupants in different ways. Head-on collisions, sideswipes, T-bones and rear-end crashes may all result in different injuries. 

Some of the most common injuries resulting from car accidents include:

• Whiplash
• Broken, fractured or shattered bones
• Spinal cord injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Internal injuries

Knowing some of the most common injuries can help you evaluate your condition after a crash, but it is always important to seek immediate medical attention after any type of accident. Even a minor collision can cause serious damage that you might not notice right away. Professional evaluations and thorough medical records can also become valuable evidence if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim.

What Can You Do To Avoid a Car Accident?

One of the best safety tips you can observe is to drive defensively. This means maintaining a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you so you can respond in time if they suddenly stop. Defensive drivers also carefully monitor their own speed, follow traffic laws and strive to remain calm even when other drivers act recklessly or cause frustration.

It is also a good idea to carefully choose when you drive. Avoid nighttime driving if you can help it, and definitely think twice before heading out into inclement weather. Even if you are confident in your ability to navigate these conditions, there is no guarantee that other drivers will demonstrate suitable caution.

Call JAG if You Have a Car Accident in California

The hard truth is that you can educate yourself and drive safely but still get in an accident because of someone else’s recklessness. The good news is that your safe driving habits can greatly help you prove the other driver’s liability after a crash.

If you do have a car accident on California roads, our team at Johnson Attorneys Group can guide you through the settlement process. Contact us today for a free case review.