What are the Most Dangerous Highways in California?

What are the most dangerous highways in California? The most dangerous highways in California include State Route 99, Interstate 5, and Interstate 10. Other highways, such as Interstate 15, more commonly known as Cajon Pass, and State Route 91, are also risky.

Take a look at why these and others are the most dangerous highways in California, and call a Sacramento car accident lawyer immediately.

The Most Dangerous Highway in California: Interstate 10

A highly dangerous highway in California is I-10. It is a busy roadway and one that is critical to moving through Southern California. The roadway stretches from Santa Monica through the Los Angeles metro area, continues into San Bernardino and Palm Springs, and eventually leads to Arizona.

A high number of accidents occur on I-10, but not solely due to its size. There is also a huge amount of traffic present here, especially as it represents one of the most critical east-to-west routes through the state. The high volume of traffic is only one concern when driving on this route. This creates heightened risk for accidents due to reckless drivers, road rage, and tailgating.

Congestion worsens when you consider that, during peak periods like the afternoon rush hour, people are often on their phones or otherwise distracted, while others speed around vehicles to get where they need to go. In both Riverside County and Los Angeles County, many of these accidents end up becoming fatalities.

State Route 99

State Route 99 is often considered the most dangerous highway in California, and with good reason. According to a study, California’s Highway 99 is the deadliest route in the state. Over five years, nearly 90 people lost their lives each year in almost 400 total crashes along SR 99. That figure represents more than one or two people each month losing their lives on the highway up to 2023.

There are various reasons for these types of dangerous highways in California, and they are often linked to the poor design of the highway. It is also notably hard to see along the roadway, especially at night, due to limited light or when the sun is shining brightly.

Additionally, like many highways in California, speeders are a significant factor on this roadway, leading to concerns about accidents throughout the state each year.

Interstate 15

Another dangerous highway in California is the Cajon Pass, a specific section of I-15. This highway has been named one of the deadliest roads in California for some time. This span of I-15 only lasts about five miles, but it has several critical factors that contribute to its high risks.

First, the roadway passes through Hesperia. As it does, there are several sharp curves you have to make, and if someone is distracted while doing so, you can expect there to be an accident.

In addition, because you are moving through the mountains, you can also expect steep grades, which many drivers are not prepared for and therefore do not handle well. When you add the adverse weather in the area, including high winds, to this, it becomes a very dangerous roadway.

Even though the area is tricky, it still has a significant amount of traffic, and that makes it a higher risk. Many people use this stretch of the highway to get around Southern California, but congestion and distracted drivers make it challenging to do so safely. Read our FAQs to learn more.

Interstate 405

Most people know the 405 if they live or visit the area. While it may not be the most dangerous highway in California, it is a high-risk roadway for several reasons, as noted by others on this list. The first reason is the sheer volume of traffic on it. Some estimates say that more than 390,000 vehicles use the freeway daily. This makes it one of the most congested roadways in the country.

Other cars are not always the problem, as the concern arises when those cars start to slow down, and drivers become frustrated. Heavy congestion leads to frustrated drivers, causing aggressive driving, tailgating, and often reckless actions. This is what causes the accidents in this area.

Some factors make this roadway more dangerous than others, including the fact that many people speed when they can along it, and some are found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

These rates tend to be higher than those on other roadways and highways in the state, and that is due to the sheer number of people using I-405 to get around.

State Route 91

State Route 91 is a dangerous roadway in California, despite not being the largest or most frequently traveled route in the state. SR 91 runs through the state, connecting Orange County to Riverside County, making it an important pathway for many who live, work, or attend schools in the area.

Accident rates are higher here than on other highways, but you can still expect there to be accidents several times a week. Those accidents often happen because drivers are distracted, such as using their phones on their commute or engaged in heated conversations. Other times, these roadway accidents happen due to intoxication.

SR 91 Express Lanes can cause problems in some areas. This is a more recent update that aims to reduce congestion on the roadway. The area still has a significantly high rate of accidents due to the frequent use of the roads. Our case results tell the story of our triumphs.

Call a Lawyer When Hurt in a Car Accident on the Dangerous Highways in California

If you were hurt in a car accident on any of these dangerous California highways or others, we encourage you to set up a free consultation with a car accident lawyer from our firm.

At Triumph Law, we offer a wide range of resources to help you get the compensation you are owed in these difficult situations. Contact us now for a free consultation.