Study Finds Sharp Rise in Car Crash Deaths in California Roads

CALIFORNIA (July 2, 2024) — A recently released study revealed that deaths from car crashes rose considerably across California between 2018 and 2022, with many deadly collisions occurring on Southern California roadways.
According to a report by ConsumerAffairs, there was a 17% increase in car crash deaths in California during this period, despite the state’s declining population. The California Office of Traffic Safety noted that dangerous driving behaviors became more prevalent during the pandemic, contributing to the rise in fatalities.
Timothy Weisberg from the California Office of Traffic Safety highlighted the urgency of reversing this trend. Experts pointed out that less congested roads during the pandemic led some motorists to drive faster, and DUI crashes accounted for at least a quarter of deaths on California roadways in both 2018 and 2022.
Researchers found that drinking and speeding were involved in approximately 28% and 25% of fatalities, respectively, between 2018 and 2022. The 5 Freeway was identified as the deadliest road in California, with 128 deaths in 2022, down from 150 in 2018.
San Bernardino County was ranked as the deadliest county for drivers, with nearly 20 fatalities per 100,000 people in 2022. The I-15 through San Bernardino County was the deadliest stretch of roadway, with 48 deaths in 2022, up from 33 in 2018. Of the ten deadliest roads in California, six are located in Southern California.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a car accident, seek legal help right away. You may be eligible to file a claim for compensation especially if you suffered injuries. Contact the car crash injury lawyers at RTM Law Firm for expert advice and representation to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.