Driving is one of the most important activities that we do on a daily basis. Driving gets us to our jobs, to our families, and to our hobbies. There are millions of Americans on the road every day and with so many people driving around, there is always the frightening possibility that an accident could occur. Every road has the potential to be a car accident scene in Santa Ana, CA, and it is up to us as responsible drivers to be aware. Here are some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in Santa Ana.
Santa Ana Car Accident Statistics
According to information gathered by the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, there were over 120 car accidents in Orange County that resulted in fatal injuries in 2023. The 2023 number is a substantial drop from the number of deaths that occurred in 2022, which was reported as being nearly 240.
Of those nearly 120 deaths, almost 50 involved the death of a pedestrian, while 6 involved the death of a bicyclist, and 12 were caused by a driver’s or passenger’s refusal to wear a seat belt. If you have been involved in a car accident in Santa Ana, you may want to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Santa Ana.
Santa Ana is one of the most populous cities in Orange County, with a reported population of at least 300,000 people as of the most recent census data. It is home to the Santa Ana Zoo and several museums, all of which are beloved tourist spots.
One of the leading causes of car accidents in Santa Ana is rush-hour traffic. There are tens of thousands of drivers on California highways during the peak travel hours of the day. Most accidents tend to occur during this timeframe, when people tend to commute to work and school the most.
The more cars on the road, the higher the chance of an accident. Rear-end collisions are more prevalent due to bumper-to-bumper traffic. Drivers tend to be more aggressive in an effort to somehow get out of the traffic, which results in more sideswipes and tailgating.
The Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Santa Ana
Santa Ana, like the other major cities in Orange County, has a problem with traffic. Orange County has an estimated population of over 3 million people. Most of them have cars. Such a hefty population, coupled with a constant tourist presence, means a higher number of car accidents than some of the other counties in California. Here are some of the more dangerous roads and intersections in Santa Ana:
- Orange Crush Interchange: The Orange Crush Interchange is where the freeways of three separate Orange County cities converge: Santa Ana, Garden Grove, and Orange. It has 34 routes with some dangerously sharp left turns, and it is traveled on by several hundred thousand vehicles every day. It is highly complex, difficult to navigate, and dangerous for out-of-towners who are unfamiliar with the area.
- Various Intersections: After an in-depth study, municipal leaders in Santa Ana were able to identify the most dangerous intersections in the city. Here are the five that are the most susceptible to accidents:
- East First Street and Elk Lane – 33 accidents, 52 injuries
- Civic Center Drive East and Main Street – 32 accidents, 46 injuries
- West First Street and Main Street – 31 accidents, 46 injuries
- Hazard Avenue and North Euclid Street – 30 accidents, 44 injuries
- Edinger Avenue and South Orange Avenue – 30 accidents, 42 injuries
FAQs
Q: What City in Orange County Has the Most Car Accidents?
A: Anaheim is the city in Orange County that has the most car accidents. According to data gathered by the Anaheim Police Department, Anaheim has over 5,000 car accidents reported every year, with many of them resulting in serious injury or even death. Anaheim is the most populated city in Orange County, with an estimated 350,000 people as of the most recent census data. The higher your population, the more chances of car accidents you will have.
Q: What Intersection in California Is the Most Dangerous?
A: The most dangerous intersection in California can be found in Los Angeles, where many of the state’s most dangerous intersections are found. If you take into account solely the number of fatalities that occur in this one intersection, the most dangerous intersection in the state is South Vermont Avenue and West Florence Avenue. That area is known for its poor visibility and severely overcrowded lanes, and it has a higher frequency of car accidents than any other intersection in California.
Q: What Is the Deadliest Road in Southern California?
A: The deadliest road in Southern California is a section of Interstate 15 from Cajon Junction to Hesperia. It is a 4.5-mile stretch of road between Exit 138 and Exit 129 that has seen multiple fatalities from many car accidents over a span of two years. A lot of those deaths can be attributed to negligent driving, as distractions are plentiful, and the road’s conditions can be rough, depending on whether there is inclement weather or rampant construction.
Q: What Is the Main Cause of Car Accidents in California?
A: The main cause of car accidents in California is distracted driving. In fact, distracted driving is the primary cause of car accidents in the entire country. It is so easy to get distracted while you are driving. Many of us take our driving skills for granted, and we forget just how dangerous it can get. Distractions can include:
- Talking on the phone
- Texting
- Messing with the radio
- Eating and drinking
- Engaging in road rage
- Talking to other passengers in the car
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you are ever involved in a car accident in Santa Ana, it is important that you take the proper steps to protect yourself. At Easton & Easton, we are determined to help you seek justice in your car accident claim. We can help you build your case, gather the correct evidence, and handle the insurance companies on your behalf. Contact us to schedule a consultation as soon as you can.
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