California is one of the most populated states in the country, and Orange County is the third-most populated county in the state of California, with just over 3 million residents. More people means a higher chance of car accidents. Busy roads, busy sidewalks, and more distractions all add up to a higher likelihood of being involved in a car accident. If you live in Orange County, it may be beneficial for you to know the Orange County car accident statistics.
Car Accidents in Orange County
According to information gathered by the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, there were 12,518 car accidents in Orange County in 2023 that resulted in a serious injury or a fatality. Numerous factors contributed to that number, including driver negligence and acts of nature. However, many of those accidents in Orange County were the result of specific behaviors, which have also been categorized by the SWITRS:
Speeding
Speeding accounted for 6,085 of the state’s severe car accidents in 2023. Speed limits exist for a reason, and flaunting them can put everyone around you in danger, including yourself and pedestrians in the area. The average speed limit in residential areas in California is 25 miles per hour, while the average speed limit on the highways is 65 miles per hour. Speeding can cause accidents or earn you a hefty ticket from the Highway Patrol.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving accounted for 833 of all the serious car accidents in 2023, and it remains one of the leading reasons behind car accidents in the United States. Distractions occur all the time while you are driving. The important thing is to do whatever you can to ignore them and focus on the road ahead. Distractions can include:
- Talking on the phone
- Texting
- Eating and drinking
- Playing with the radio
- Road rage
- Talking to other passengers
If your focus wavers from the road, something dreadful could happen.
DUIs
Driving while under the influence (DUI) accounted for 1,593 of the state’s severe accidents in 2023. Getting arrested for a DUI can put a strain on your life. It can result in substantial fines, serious jail time, community service, and/or a revocation of your driver’s license. It is never okay to drive while intoxicated. You are putting yourself and everyone around you in serious jeopardy. If you find yourself intoxicated, sleep it off or get someone to drive you home.
Drugs
Accidents caused in some way by drugs accounted for 257 of all serious accidents in 2023. Driving while high, regardless of the drug, can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol. Your judgment is impaired, your faculties are not fully together, and you have the potential to seriously hurt someone, including yourself. If you are arrested for driving while high, you will face penalties similar to those of a DUI charge.
Seat Belts
Refusal to wear a seat belt caused 334 injuries and/or fatalities in all the severe car accidents in 2023. It is against the law to not wear a seat belt when you are riding in a car. More so, seat belts save thousands of lives every year. Deciding not to wear one is simply an exercise in poor judgment that can lead to severe injury, ejection from a vehicle, and death.
FAQs
Q: Which County in California Has the Most Car Accidents?
A: According to the SWITRS, the county in California that had the most fatal and injurious car accidents in 2023 was Los Angeles County, with 38,733. Los Angeles County is also the most populated county in the state, with over 9 million residents. It is a densely populated area with a lot of tourist attractions, traffic congestion, and frequent accidents. Certain intersections in Los Angeles County, such as those around Long Beach, are more susceptible to car accidents.
Q: How Many Car Accidents Happen in Orange County?
A: In 2023, there were over 12,500 fatal and injurious car accidents in Orange County alone. While this may seem like a high number, it is a steady decline from the number of similar car accidents that occurred in Orange County in 2022, which was around 12,600. More so, Orange County is in third place behind San Diego County and Los Angeles County in the number of severe car accidents that occurred in 2023.
Q: How Many Car Accidents Occur Per Year in California?
A: According to information gathered by the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System, there are an estimated 160,000 car accidents that occur in California every year. That number changes all the time, depending on road conditions, the high or low volume of daily traffic, and how many different streets may be blocked off due to construction. California does not rank high in the states with the most car accidents. The top spot is currently held by Mississippi.
Q: What Is the Number One Cause of Car Accidents in California?
A: The most commonly reported cause of car accidents in California is distracted driving, which ranks as the most reported cause of car accidents in the entire United States. Distractions are rampant when you are driving. Things are always happening around us that have the potential to break our concentration. The trick is to practice defensive driving and do what you can to avoid distractions. It won’t be easy, but it’s an important step for avoiding car accidents.
Reach Out to an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today
Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful ordeal that you may not be prepared to handle. Nobody expects to be in a car accident but if you are, it is important for you to protect yourself and follow the pertinent steps to ensure that you avoid blame and pursue damages.
At Easton & Easton, we can help you develop your case, gather the necessary evidence, interview witnesses, and advocate on your behalf against the insurance companies. We can help with whatever you need to argue a successful case. Contact us to schedule a consultation about your recent car accident.
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