By Hazel Ann Westco
Every year, over 32,000 people in California die due to auto accidents. Sadly, the state also has a high number of bicycle accidents per year. There are over 10,000 regular cyclists in at least two cities. In 2015, there were 129 deaths due to bicycle accidents in the state, which was higher compared to that of almost every state.
From highway truck collisions to crashes involving electric scooters, California is a state with many accident-prone areas. So before going on your next ride, take note of these five areas that require you to be more cautious.
Los Angeles
In California, Los Angeles has some of the most dangerous roads, with 630 people dying in the city every year due to car accidents. One of them is the Sierra Highway, which has caused many deaths because of its outdated highway infrastructure.
Interstate 405 is another notorious area that has put motorists at risk of dangerous driving behavior. Many drivers access the LAX airport from this place and other highways converge here, as well. Many fall victim to distracted driving, speeding, and DUI, making it one of the deadliest highways in the state.
The long stretch of the Interstate 5 also puts many drivers at risk. It’s the main connecting road from Northern to Southern California where many other highways state intersect. Long-distance drivers practically compete with those making a short commute, which may lead to disastrous results if one isn’t careful.
Orange County
Car, truck, and bicycle accidents are a common occurrence in Orange County. In 2013 alone, there were 14,839 deaths or injuries caused by automobile-related crashes. Speeding was one of the most common causes, accounting for 2,499 incidences, according to the California Office of Traffic Safety.
The Laguna Canyon Road is one of the most dangerous roads in this area because of its twists and blind curves. This is especially true when driving early in the morning or late at night, owing to the highway’s bad reputation for deadly crashes involving impaired drivers.
Also known as CA State Hwy 74, the Ortega Highway is another area in Orange that’s notorious for road accidents. Many motorcycle riders have tragically fallen victim to the tight turns, watering holes, and open stretches.
Santiago Canyon Road, on the other hand, is an infamous highway where the intersection of Jamboree Road and Chapman Avenue is the deadliest within the area. In fact, the place has been once called “the road of death.”
San Diego
Fatal car accidents are unfortunately common in San Diego. The city has topped plenty of traffic accident lists nationwide. From 2011 to 2015, the numbers have increased up to 15 percent from 17,718 to 20,385.
But there are many other vehicles on the roads of San Diego. The climate and famous spots of the city attract many cyclists and motorcyclists. And a lot of them get involved in accidents, as well. In 2015, bicycles and pedestrians comprised five and six percent and of the total number of road accidents in California.
A lot of these accidents occur in intersections of the city. These include University Avenue and 1st Avenue, Valley Parkway and Midway Drive, Linda Vista Road and Ulric Street, and Federal Blvd and Euclid Avenue, to name a few.
San Bernardino
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, San Bernardino had 1,856 people who were killed or injured in 2014. 273 of those involved alcohol, while 279 were speeding-related. With 471 DUI arrests during that same year, there’s no denying that San Bernardino is a dangerous place to be in while you’re on the road.
The county’s traffic volume, road infrastructure, and terrain all contribute to these cases. But there are particular areas in the state that cause much more accidents than the rest. State Route 138, for example, has many dangerous twists and turns within its mountainous terrain. Interstate 15, on the other hand, is prone to accidents due to the number of vehicles that pass through here every day.
On Interstate 10, many vehicles get into crashes due to a variety of reasons. Some include drunk and distracted driving, poor road conditions, and congestion. With this kind of road, it is a must for a cyclist to take safety precautions.
Riverside County
In 2013, the California Office of Traffic Safety reported that there had been 6,100 car accidents in Riverside County. This means that there are approximately 16 car accidents every day where one person got injured or killed. Some of the most dangerous areas in Riverside are the Moreno Valley, Jurupa, Cathedral City, and Temecula.
Many travelers on the freeways area coming from or going to LA or San Diego. Drivers tend to go through roads that lead them quickly to their destination. But if one isn’t careful, a lot of disastrous mistakes can happen behind the wheel. The Riverside County is no different from many of the dangerous roads of California, where a drunk or distracted driver is the common cause of serious damage.
Bottom Line
Regardless of how cautious you are as a driver, you need to be mindful of your surroundings whenever you’re driving. Keep these dangerous roads in mind so you can be extra careful should you find yourself driving there.
Images from Pexels and Pixabay.
Author Bio
Hazel Ann Westco is a start-up freelance writer. She is interested in writing blogs and articles related to legal cases, mainly in personal injury and employment. Whenever she has free time she rides her bicycle or motorcycle for a road trip.