California’s road system spans close to 400,000 miles, making it the largest in the nation. But not all roads carry the same level of risk. Certain stretches consistently show higher rates of fatal crashes—often due to high speeds, driver behavior, and traffic volume. Knowing where these hazards exist can help you stay alert—and if you’re involved in a serious crash, connecting with an accident injury lawyer can help protect your rights.
The Deadliest Road Stretches in California
According to a study published by MoneyGeek, which reviewed more than 10,000 fatal accidents on 4,452 roads in California between 2017 and 2019, some specific highway segments were shown to be especially deadly. The analysis ranked roads based on the number of fatal crashes per mile.
- I-15 between Exit 138 and Exit 129 in Hesperia ranked as the most dangerous road in the state, with 19 fatal crashes across just 4.5 miles—an average of 4.2 fatalities per mile.
- I-80 through Berkeley, Oakland, Emeryville, and Albany (Exits 14A to 8A) had 15 fatal crashes across 5 miles, or 3 deaths per mile.
- I-80 from Richmond to San Pablo (Exits 15 to 21) saw 13 deadly crashes over 5 miles.
- I-5 in Sacramento, from Del Paso Road to Railyards Boulevard, also reported 13 fatalities within 4.9 miles.
Other roads flagged in the MoneyGeek report include stretches of I-215 near San Bernardino, SR-74 in Menifee, and I-605 in Norwalk.
Deadliest Roads by Metro Area
The same analysis found that the most dangerous roadways are not limited to one region. They span multiple metro areas:
- San Francisco Bay Area roads, particularly along I-80, appeared frequently in the top five deadliest sections statewide. This includes areas through Berkeley and Richmond where crash rates remain high.
- Los Angeles Metro Area didn’t top the list as one might expect, despite having the state’s highest population. However, LA still held three spots in the top 15 for fatal crash segments.
- San Diego’s road network, including portions of I-15 and I-5, also had multiple dangerous sections, according to the data.
Common Causes of Fatal Crashes in California
The report also broke down contributing factors found in these deadly accidents. Several trends stand out:
Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence was cited in roughly 27% of all fatal crashes analyzed. Even small amounts of alcohol can impair decision-making and slow reaction times. California law sets the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit at 0.08%, but impairment can begin at lower levels.
Speeding
Speeding was a factor in 28% of fatal collisions, making it the most frequently cited cause. High speeds reduce a driver’s ability to react and increase the severity of impact in the event of a crash.
Distracted Driving
Although less prevalent than other causes, 4% of fatal crashes involved some form of distraction. This includes texting, eating, or even adjusting in-vehicle controls—each capable of taking a driver’s attention off the road.
Are Trucks Safer Than Cars?
It’s a common question for many Californians: Are trucks safer than cars? The answer isn’t simple, as safety depends on a range of factors including vehicle design, driver habits, and the nature of the crash itself.
In terms of size and structure, trucks—particularly pickups and SUVs—do tend to offer more physical protection in certain types of collisions. Their larger frames, higher ride height, and reinforced construction can provide an advantage in multi-vehicle crashes, especially in front-end and side-impact scenarios. Passengers in trucks may fare better when colliding with smaller vehicles, as the height and weight disparity often means the smaller vehicle absorbs more of the impact.
However, that increased size also brings new risks. Trucks generally have higher centers of gravity, making them more vulnerable to rollover accidents, particularly during sharp turns or sudden swerves. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), rollover crashes are more likely to result in fatalities compared to other types of accidents—and light trucks are statistically more prone to them than sedans.
Trucks are also harder to maneuver and stop, especially at high speeds or in heavy traffic. Their extended braking distance and larger blind spots can pose additional dangers, particularly in urban settings or during poor weather conditions. Inexperienced drivers may find it more difficult to control a truck under stress or emergency situations, which can offset some of the perceived safety advantages.
At the end of the day, no vehicle is completely safe without responsible driving. Whether you’re in a compact sedan or a full-size truck, your safety on the road depends more on how you drive and the conditions around you than on the vehicle itself. Speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, and impairment are major contributors to serious crashes—regardless of what kind of vehicle you’re in.
Seasonal Trends
The risk of a fatal crash isn’t the same year-round. The report found that November is the deadliest month on California roads, likely tied to increased travel during the holidays and unpredictable weather. September and October also showed elevated fatal crash rates, possibly due to a rise in evening events and decreased daylight hours.
Why Taking Legal Action Early Matters
After a car crash—especially on one of California’s most dangerous roads—what you do next can shape your entire recovery process. It’s essential to understand the difference between relying on an insurance adjuster and hiring a car accident lawyer to advocate for you.
Insurance companies are often more focused on minimizing payouts than helping you recover. That’s why many accident victims benefit from contacting a lawyer within 24 hours of the crash. Sometimes it becomes a car accident lawyer vs insurance.
Legal support can help:
- Collect and preserve evidence
- Communicate directly with insurance providers
- Establish the full extent of your injuries and losses
- Navigate the legal deadlines and paperwork
- Secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
If you’re unsure whether you need legal representation, here’s how to decide.
Choosing the Best Legal Help After a Crash
The aftermath of a collision often feels overwhelming. That’s where the best personal injury attorneys can make a major difference. At Avrek Law Firm, we focus on securing justice for injured clients across California. Whether you’re searching for an attorney for bodily injury or need help after a crash involving a distracted or impaired driver, we’re here to help.
We don’t get paid unless we win—and we’ve recovered Over $2 Billion for accident victims.
The data from MoneyGeek makes it clear: certain roads in California are much more dangerous than others. Speeding, impaired driving, and distractions continue to contribute to preventable fatalities. But if you or a loved one is injured, having an experienced accident injury lawyer on your side can help you navigate recovery and secure the compensation you deserve.
We’re available 24/7. Call 866-598-5548, fill out our contact form, or start a live chat for a free case review.