Recent data shows that although there were less drivers on the roadways in 2020 due to the pandemic, those who chose to drive were often careless. Enforcement officers throughout the country reported increased instances of excessive speeding and reckless driving.
These dangerous habits contributed to a jump in traffic fatalities in 2020. Current statistics show the number of traffic fatalities in 2020 was almost 10% higher than those reported in 2019.
Although current data is not available for the rate of traffic fatalities in Southern California during 2020, it is likely that the rate in our community also spiked in 2020.
What are the most dangerous roads in Southern California?
According to a study discussed by Safer America, a consumer safety organization focused on providing data to educate the public about various dangers, I-10 is one of the most dangerous stretches of freeway in the country. The portion that runs through Southern California is located in San Bernardino county. This location makes this stretch one of the darkest and one that reports the most drunk drivers on the entire route — which runs all the way to Florida.
The second dangerous roadway is just North of Los Angeles, SR-99. 99 has similar issues to I-10, with dark roadways and drunk drivers. In fact, 99 ranks as one of the top in the nation for drunk drivers. These dangerous roadways, along with the overly congested highways and inner roads Southern California drivers deal with on a daily basis, make Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties the three most deadly when it comes to car and motorcycle crashes.
What if I am in a serious car accident?
If the accident is the result of another driver’s reckless or negligent driving, you are likely eligible for compensation. Those who are injured while driving for work may receive compensation through a workers’ comp claim and those who are injured while on their own time can hold the other driver accountable through a personal injury claim. Legal counsel can review the details and discuss your options.
