Report Shows Speeding, Drunk Driving, and Pedestrian Deaths at Crisis Levels Across Five-County Region
A new report analyzing 2023 motor vehicle crash data paints a troubling picture for Southern California: the region is grappling with a staggering share of traffic-related deaths, injuries, and risk factors.
According to federal data, 40,901 people lost their lives in car crashes across the U.S. in 2023. California alone accounted for 4,061 fatalities, nearly 10% of the national total, and the majority of those deaths occurred in just five Southern California counties.
The study, compiled by Vaziri Law Group, zooms in on Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties, revealing a deadly pattern of preventable fatalities linked to speeding, impaired driving, and poor road infrastructure.
A Regional Breakdown: Population vs. Traffic Deaths
Southern California is home to over 23 million people, but in 2023, these five counties accounted for 2,011 motor vehicle fatalities, almost half of California’s statewide total. The county-by-county death toll is as follows:
- Los Angeles County: 807 deaths
- San Diego County: 378 deaths
- Orange County: 330 deaths
- San Bernardino County: 278 deaths
- Riverside County: 218 deaths
While high population naturally contributes to higher incident counts, researchers adjusted for population size and found that San Bernardino County had the highest per capita death rate at 17.22 deaths per 100,000 residents—nearly double the rate of Los Angeles and Orange counties.
What’s Causing the Most Deaths?
Among the most deadly behaviors:
- Speeding accounted for 663 fatalities across the five counties—one-third of the total.
- Drunk driving caused 658 deaths, with blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) above 0.08%.
- Pedestrian fatalities reached 641, with Los Angeles County alone accounting for 276 deaths, over 40% of all pedestrian deaths in the region.
These top causes underscore just how preventable most of these tragedies are—and how urgently public awareness campaigns, infrastructure changes, and enforcement crackdowns are needed.
Men and Millennials: The Most At-Risk Groups
The data also reveals which groups are most vulnerable behind the wheel—and on the street.
- Men accounted for over 75% of all motor vehicle deaths in Southern California.
- 25- to 34-year-olds were the most affected age group, with 453 fatalities.
- Seniors (ages 64+) and children under 16 also experienced significant losses, highlighting that no demographic is immune.
A Call to Action for Southern California
“This isn’t just a traffic issue, it’s a public health crisis,” said a spokesperson for Vaziri Law Group. “The numbers show us exactly where the problems lie. Now we need policymakers, community leaders, and drivers to step up and make change happen.”
The report recommends a multi-pronged approach:
- Crack down on speeding and impaired driving with tougher enforcement
- Invest in public transit alternatives and safer pedestrian infrastructure
- Target young male drivers through education and digital outreach
- Improve road conditions, particularly in high-fatality areas like San Bernardino and Riverside
About Vaziri Law Group
Vaziri Law Group is a leading California-based personal injury firm with a proven track record of helping car crash and pedestrian accident victims pursue justice. The firm offers free consultations for those injured or impacted by negligent drivers.
