5 Most Dangerous Roads in California
California is a spectacular state filled with stunning scenery and is the most populated state in the U.S. Whether it’s the beautiful views distracting drivers or simply that there are more drivers on the road than in any other state, there are no shortage of dangerous car accidents throughout the state, some with devastating results.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver, a California car accident lawyer with Ernst Law Group is ready to help you. Schedule a free case review by calling (805) 541-0300 or by using the online contact form.
Here’s a look at five of the most dangerous roads in our state, as well as hotspots in cities that carry increased risks for motorists.
Why These Roads Are So Dangerous in California
California’s most dangerous roads share common risk factors that continue to cause deadly crashes despite safety efforts:
High congestion and distracted driving: California’s major highways and city routes experience some of the worst traffic in the nation. Stop-and-go conditions and impatient drivers increase rear-end collisions and lane-change crashes, while phone use and other distractions compound these risks.
Speeding on intercity highways: Long stretches of I-5, I-15, and I-80 encourage drivers to exceed speed limits, reducing reaction time and increasing the severity of crashes.
Motorcycle and pedestrian density: California’s mild weather means more motorcycles and pedestrians are on the roads year-round, especially in urban areas, raising the likelihood of severe or fatal injuries in crashes.
Blind curves, outdated infrastructure, and wildlife crossings: Roads like SR 17 and rural portions of US 101 have sharp curves, narrow shoulders, and outdated designs that can surprise drivers. Wildlife crossings in mountainous and rural areas add an additional hazard, especially at night.
These combined factors explain why certain California roads remain deadly, highlighting the importance of driving cautiously and knowing your legal rights if injured on these routes.
Deadliest Road: I-15 – Cajun Junction to Hesperia
The 4.5-mile stretch of Interstate 15 between Cajon Junction and Hesperia remains one of the most perilous roadways in California. According to a 2024 report by Consumer Affairs, this segment recorded 48 fatalities in 2022 alone, marking a 45% increase from 33 deaths in 2018. Notably, 22 of these fatalities were attributed to speeding, while four involved impaired driving.
This section of I-15 is particularly treacherous due to its steep grades, high traffic volumes, and frequent adverse weather conditions, including fog and high winds. These factors contribute to a higher incidence of accidents, especially among drivers unfamiliar with the area or those traveling at excessive speeds.
#2: I-80 – Emeryville to Albany
This 5-mile stretch of road between Exits 14A and 8A accounted for 15 fatal accidents that resulted in 17 deaths.
#3: I-80: El Cerrito to Pinole
Another 5-mile section of Interstate 80 (Exits 15-21) was just as deadly, accounting for 13 fatal wrecks and 18 deaths.
#4: I-5: Del Paso Rd. to Railyards Blvd.
This 4.9-mile stretch of The Five also had 13 fatal collisions between 2017-2019, resulting in 16 people losing their lives.
#5: I-215: Grand Terrace through San Bernardino
Interstate 215 can also be dangerous. The 4.7-mile section running through San Bernardino was the site of 13 fatal accidents that led to 13 deaths.
Deadliest Roads by City
Every city has certain roads that seem more dangerous than others, but in some cities, those suspicions ring true.
Los Angeles
Los Angeles roads are notorious for congestion, but plenty of them also pose an increased risk of accidents.
Sierra Highway
This highway starts at the far northern city limits of LA. One of the main reasons it’s so dangerous is that it’s almost always under construction. Although the construction is badly needed, the road is so heavily traveled night and day that it’s difficult to do or complete the projects, so the road is congested with workers and littered with potholes that can easily lead to accidents.
Interstate 5
It’s not just the stretch of I-5 mentioned above that’s dangerous. It’s a long stretch of highway with large stretches in between towns that motorists speed through to get to their destination. Research shows that there’s one fatal crash for every mile of highway.
Interstate 405
I-405 runs along the south and west borders of Los Angeles and is widely considered to be the most congested highway in the entire country. To make matters worse, it also runs near three major airports. Those from out of town are less familiar with the exits and might make dangerous last-minute maneuvers, resulting in several accidents in addition to those caused by distracted drivers.
San Diego
Not only is San Diego one of the most beautiful cities in the state (or the entire country, for that matter), but it also has some of the most dangerous roads. Each of these roads recorded 10 fatal accidents between 2017 and 2019.
Interstate 15–Ranked 12
The five-mile section of I-15 that runs between Scripps Poway Parkway and Miramar Way is one of the deadliest in all of San Diego County.
Interstate 5–Ranked 17
I-5 makes the list again (it’s not the last time) with the stretch between Marina Parkway to San Ysidro Boulevard.
Interstate 5–Ranked 18
Another section of I-5 in San Diego makes the list, this time between Hawthorne Street (San Diego Airport) and Harbor Drive/Civic Center Drive.
San Jose
There were 80 traffic fatalities in San Jose in 2019 alone. Here are some of the most dangerous roads in the city.
Interstate 280
Interstate 280 runs from San Jose to San Francisco. It offers incredible views and incredible danger. Four people were killed on this road in 2019.
U.S. Highway 101
US 101 goes up and down the entire U.S. West Coast. The section that runs through San Jose is particularly treacherous. In 2019. Nearly 25% of all traffic deaths in San Jose (17) occurred on US 101.
State Route 17
If you don’t know exactly where you’re going on Highway 17, you’ll be at a very high risk of being in an accident due to its blind curves, narrow shoulders, and wildlife entering the roadway.
San Luis Obispo
Two roads in our neighborhood, U.S. 101 and Foothill Boulevard, are extremely dangerous.
U.S. Highway 101
Yes, US 101 is dangerous in San Luis Obispo, too. It winds through the mountains, yet gets heavy traffic each and every day. It’s considered the most dangerous stretch of road in the entire city.
Foothill Boulevard
Between 2012 and 2016, 82 accidents occurred at the intersection of Foothill and Santa Rosa.
Injured in a Car Accident in California? Call us to see how we can help.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident caused by someone else, schedule your free consultation with the elite California car accident attorneys at Ernst Law Group completing the online contact form or calling (805) 541-0300.
