In 2023, Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys analyzed California’s deadliest highways, and what we found goes beyond bumper-to-bumper traffic. It’s not just the sheer number of cars on the road. It’s what drivers are doing behind the wheel.
Despite having the largest population in the U.S., it’s not California’s size alone that makes its roads dangerous. It’s everyday behaviors: speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence. Whether you’re commuting to work or just running errands, you could be sharing the road with someone who’s ignoring speed limits, texting mid-drive, or intoxicated.
The 5 Most Dangerous Highways in California
According to 2023 data, these highways had the highest fatality counts:
- I-15 (San Bernardino County) – 48 fatalities
- I-10 (Riverside County) – 31 fatalities
- I-5 (San Diego County) – 21 fatalities
- I-5 (Orange County) – 16 fatalities
- US-101 (Santa Barbara County) – 15 fatalities
Behind these numbers are risky behaviors:
- Speeding caused 19.7% of fatal accidents
- Texting and driving: 19%
- Drunk driving: 17.5%
- Other factors included poor road conditions (12.6%), drugged driving (10.8%), and general distraction (7.8%)
Internal distractions, lack of seatbelts, and other behaviors made up the remaining percentages.
County Crash Trends: Who’s Speeding and Driving Drunk?
Here’s how risky behavior breaks down in the top five high-fatality counties:
| County | Speeding Accidents | Drunk Driving Accidents |
|---|---|---|
| San Bernardino | 34% | 20% |
| Riverside | 31% | 26% |
| San Diego | 31% | 20% |
| Orange | 34% | 23% |
| Santa Barbara | 31% | 20% |
Most of these deadly crashes happen at 8 p.m., especially on Saturdays and Sundays, when people are out, distracted, or driving impaired.
So, Why Are People Driving Like This?
Dangerous driving is a choice. Drivers knowingly speed, text, and drink behind the wheel, despite overwhelming evidence of the risks. It’s a breach of the basic duty of care we owe to others on the road. The consequences are often life-altering or fatal.
Fortunately, victims of reckless drivers have legal options. A personal injury attorney can help pursue compensation and hold negligent drivers accountable.
How to Protect Yourself on California Roads
While you can’t control other drivers, you can reduce your own risk:
- Obey the speed limit
- Check your mirrors and blind spots
- Use turn signals
- Drive with headlights on after dusk
- Leave early to avoid rushing
- Watch for pedestrians and motorcyclists
- Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb.”
- Choose a designated driver if drinking
Small choices save lives. California’s roads are busy, but they don’t have to be deadly.
Our mission is to help drivers stay informed, stay alert, and stay safe. With greater awareness comes fewer crashes—and fewer families torn apart by preventable tragedies.
