In a sprawling city like Los Angeles, highways are a necessity. Traveling across the city and county using the interstate system can save considerable time, but there are potential perils to using the system. So, what are the deadliest freeways in Los Angeles? Understanding which stretches of road are the most dangerous can help you potentially avoid a serious car collision.
The Deadliest Freeways in Southern California
A 2024 report by Consumer Affairs, which is cited by the Los Angeles Times in the stats below, confirms what many in Southern California already suspect. Our region is home to many of the deadliest roads in the country.
- Between 2018 and 2022, traffic fatalities in California rose by 17% despite lower road usage during the pandemic.
- Interstate 15 (I-15) in San Bernardino County was the deadliest stretch, with 48 deaths in 2022, a 45% increase from 2018.
- Interstate 10 (I-10) in Riverside County saw 31 deaths in 2022, up 24% from four years earlier.
- Interstate 5 (I-5) accounted for 21 deaths in Orange County and 16 in San Diego County in 2022.
I-5 is one of the business transportation corridors in California. It runs through Los Angeles County and links the county to the Central Valley, Southern California, and beyond. In 2022, the highway contributed significantly to the county’s 42,298 crashes on state highways.
Broader Context: Fatalities and Pedestrian Risks
The high collision rates on I-5, I-10, and I-405 reflect broader transportation safety challenges across California. In 2021, the state recorded approximately 4,285 traffic fatalities, underscoring how congestion, speeding, and distracted driving continue to cause preventable deaths. Many of these fatal crashes occurred on heavily trafficked urban freeways like those in Los Angeles County, where limited space and high volume create constant risk.
In April 2025, a deadly wrong-way crash on the 5 Freeway near downtown Los Angeles left one person dead and four others injured, according to the California Highway Patrol. The incident, which involved multiple vehicles, is still under investigation. Crashes like this illustrate how even brief moments of driver error or impairment can have devastating consequences in high-speed freeway environments.
Los Angeles County also reports persistent risks for pedestrians along conventional highways. In 2022, there were 76 pedestrian-involved collisions, resulting in 22 fatalities and 54 injuries. These roads often lack proper crossings, signage, or lighting, making them dangerous for foot traffic.
Why Southern California Freeways Are Often Cited as the Most Dangerous in the State
Southern California’s freeway network is vast, congested, and heavily traveled. All of these conditions create a dangerous mix of factors that contribute to high numbers of collisions and fatalities year after year.
Freeways like I-10, I-15, and I-5 see millions of vehicles on a daily basis as trucks, buses, and vehicles traverse Downtown Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside. Highways are often marked with high-speed limits that can lead to serious collisions.
The I-5, which cuts through East L.A. and Commerce, connects to the East Los Angeles Interchange and is among the busiest and dangerous stretches of highway in the region. The high number of crashes in the highway system can be attributed to factors like aggressive driving behaviors like tailgating, speeding, weaving between lanes, and abrupt attempts to cross exits while crossing multiple lanes.
Many of these car crashes in Los Angeles occur during evening hours, on stretches where exit ramps, faded signage, or inadequate lighting reduce reaction times. The combination of worn-down infrastructure and rising post-pandemic road aggression continues to make Los Angeles County’s freeway system among the riskiest in the state. Drivers can mitigate the dangers of driving on highways by remaining vigilant, staying in the far right lanes, and maintaining safe distances from other cars.
FAQs
What Is the Most Dangerous Freeway in Los Angeles?
The I-5 Freeway consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous in Los Angeles due to its high traffic volume and serious collisions. Heavy commercial truck traffic, narrow stretches, and speed all contribute to its risk level. This corridor runs through dense areas of the city, increasing the potential for high-speed crashes and multi-vehicle accidents throughout the year.
What Freeway Has the Most Deaths in Los Angeles County?
In recent years, the I-5 and I-10 freeways have reported some of the highest fatal crash totals in Los Angeles County. These routes are major cross-city and interstate arteries with constant congestion. Many fatalities involve speeding, impaired driving, or distracted motorists. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continues to highlight these corridors as serious danger zones.
What Freeway in California Has the Most Accidents Overall?
Interstate 5, which stretches from San Diego to the Oregon border, has the highest number of crashes statewide. Its Los Angeles section is among the busiest and most dangerous. According to state data, this freeway sees thousands of accidents each year, many involving commercial trucks, long-distance travelers, or daily commuters navigating heavy congestion and unpredictable traffic patterns.
Is the 405 Freeway Considered the Worst in Los Angeles?
The 405 is often ranked among the worst freeways in the United States for traffic congestion, but it’s also dangerous due to frequent stop-and-go patterns and sudden merges. While not always the deadliest in terms of total crashes, the 405’s volume and design flaws contribute to a high risk of rear-end collisions, especially during rush hour or inclement weather.
Contact Easton & Easton Today to Secure Compensation Following a Freeway Injury
High-speed corridors like I-5, the 405, and the 110 are among the most dangerous freeways in Los Angeles County. If you or a loved one was injured in a crash, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
At Easton & Easton, we represent victims of serious freeway accidents throughout Southern California. Our team knows how to pursue compensation after a freeway accident and can work to ensure you recover the full amount you are owed. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation so we can review your case and take the first step toward holding the negligent driver accountable.
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