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Known as the Golden State, California is the largest state in the country. With its high population, millions of drivers journey on its busy highways daily. One question that always pops up in the minds of commuters, given the busy roads, is about safety. Unfortunately, California is home to some of the worst cities to drive in, making it one of the most terrible states to drive in. If you have suffered injuries or property damage in a car accident, speak to a car accident lawyer from Arash Law, founded by Arash Khorsandi, Esq.
What makes California unique is that there are many different landscapes. You can encounter congested city traffic or dangerous road conditions. It can be easy for drivers to get frazzled and confused, which sometimes leads to reckless driving accidents. Traffic congestion is rampant in some major cities. It happens when there are more cars than the roadway can handle. It is also prevalent during commutes when everyone goes to work or school. Generally, the worst cities to drive in are metropolitan areas, as they typically have over one million residents. This means they are highly populated, more than other cities nationwide.
The Worst Cities To Drive In California
You might look around California and think you know what the worst cities are. However, WalletHub.com conducted an exhaustive survey regarding traffic congestion, driveability, and more. The team focused on several key factors, such as safety, traffic, infrastructure, cost of ownership, and access to vehicles. WalletHub also compared speeding tickets, running red lights, cell phone use while driving, DUIs, etc. They reviewed their results to list the best and worst cities to drive in.
Arash Law represents clients statewide. We have seen many traffic accidents, such as car, truck, motorcycle, and pedestrian accidents, in many of these cities. The worst cities to drive in California include:
20. Fullerton
Population: 144,541 (2022 US Census) or 6,406.0 people per square mile.
You can find Fullerton in Northern Orange County. It is known for its agriculture and crops. Oranges and citrus crops are grown across the city. Sadly, it is also known for bad driving conditions. These horrible driving conditions often result in fatal consequences for residents and guests.
The city has earned a C- grade. This grade makes it a fatal town for the public. Based on OTS Crash Rankings in 2020, Fullerton saw 569 total injuries and fatalities, earning it a 26/61 ranking. It also ranks 50/61 for speed-related crashes and 15/61 for hit-and-run-related accidents, while DUI stands at 43/61.
19. Rancho Cucamonga
Population: 176,336 (2022 US Census) or 4,349.4 people per square mile.
The scenery is a standout for Rancho Cucamonga. It is known for wine preparation and has Mediterranean climate conditions, which attract the general public. The grape lands are another attractive feature. While the city has many appealing features, traffic collisions are not one of them.
Bad driving conditions are contributing factors to major accidents in Rancho Cucamonga. In 2020, the collision rate was 55/61, speeding 44/61, and DUI 28/61. The fatality rate is 10/50. The total count is 391, resulting in a C Grade for accidents. Rancho Cucamonga car accident lawyers can provide legal support if someone else’s negligence caused your crash.
18. Irvine
Population: 313,685 (2022 US Census) or 4,689.4 people per square mile.
The city is nestled in Orange County and is known for its museums and hot air balloon rides. It is now also known for its horrid driving statistics. OTS reports for 2020 show 470 victim fatalities and injuries, giving Irvine a rank of 14/15. There were 63 speed-related crashes, while there were 20 hit-and-runs.
Personal injury lawyers in Irvine can assist injured victims and the families of those who have suffered fatalities, helping them navigate their legal options.
17. Sacramento
Population: 528,001 (2022 US Census) or 5,323.4 people per square mile.
Known as the capital of California, and as an awful place to drive. In 2014, it had a fatality rate of 7.6 per 1,000 drivers. A significant amount of traffic is drawn to coastal cities. However, Sacramento brings people and traffic inland. That has led to people being stuck in traffic for an average of 64 hours. The ranking is 53 out of 100. In 2020, there were 3205 total crash-related fatalities and injuries in Sacramento. Given the frequency of these incidents, victims can consult Sacramento accident injury lawyers if the crash was not their fault.
16. Riverside
Population: 320,764 (2022 US Census) or 3,877.8 people per square mile.
Located just outside Los Angeles, Riverside is home to a vibrant community. It houses many professionals who need to drive to and from work daily. According to OTS reports, in 2020, Riverside had 1,495 victims killed and injured in crash-related accidents. There were 167 hit-and-runs and 247 speed-related collisions that year. It’s ranked 54 out of 100 nationwide. It can be difficult for some victims to understand their legal options, especially in hit-and-run cases. Riverside hit-and-run accident lawyers can offer support, particularly when exploring alternative compensation options for victims.
15. Fresno
Population: 545,567 (2022 US Census) or 4,706.8 people per square mile.
As California’s 5th-largest city by land mass, there are many reasons why it is a horrible place to drive. It is ranked among the worst cities because it lacks highway navigation and maintenance shops. It also has many vehicle-related crimes. Fresno has actually become known for its high percentage of car-related crimes. In 2021, the city was ranked 6th for worst drivers and 5th for DUIs. It ranks 55 out of 100 cities nationwide. Considering how often DUI incidents happen, victims must know they have someone to turn to. Fresno DUI accident victim attorneys can help in pursuing damages after such accidents.
14. Chula Vista
While California works on improving its poor road conditions and continues to study car accidents, people are suffering injuries. Arash Law, spearheaded by Arash Khorsandi, knows the struggles that many of our clients face after a car accident. When a negligent driver causes a collision, and you suffer injuries, you have legal options. Accident lawyers in Chula Vista can evaluate your case and recommend an appropriate course of action for your situation.
Population: 279,170 (2022 US Census) or 4,914.6 people per square mile.
Heading slightly south of San Diego, you will find Chula Vista. It is known for its breweries and nightlife, which draw steady visitor traffic. With more alcohol consumption during peak hours, drivers may face a higher chance of encountering impaired or inattentive motorists. The road systems are also poorly made. Chula Vista is ranked 61 out of 100 cities in the survey. OTS reports for 2020 state that 776 victims suffered from injuries or fatalities.
13. Fremont
Population: 223,871 (2022 US Census) or 2,943.3 people per square mile.
Found in the Bay Area, Fremont has gorgeous docks. It brings in sailors and ship crews. These parties are more familiar with maneuvering at sea than driving on land. It is ranked 64 out of 100.
Ranking 54/61 for 506 victims killed and injured from crash-related accidents in 2020, Fremont is quite dangerous for driving. Speed-related collisions reached 89 in the same year. On the other hand, there were 33 hit-and-runs. In such cases, hit-and-run accident lawyers in Fremont can advocate for victims, particularly if there are challenges in identifying the at-fault driver.
12. Bakersfield
Population: 410,647 (2022 US Census) or 2,693.7 people per square mile.
The city is north of Los Angeles and straddles the Kern River. Traffic is atrocious and unbearable. Driving through Bakersfield has often been compared to driving in a parking lot. The traffic does not move. Ranking 65 out of 100 cities.
In 2020, over 1600 people were injured or killed in traffic accidents in the area — 112 were pedestrians, while 103 were motorcycle riders. As pedestrians are more vulnerable in these collisions, they need every support they can get. Bakersfield pedestrian accident lawyers can help victims seek the medical care they need. Additionally, an attorney can also help pursue compensation that addresses the losses of the victims.
11. Anaheim
Population: 344,461 (2022 US Census) or 6,898.8 people per square mile.
Anaheim is a major tourist destination, largely due to Disneyland. This major tourist attraction is the reason for the horrendous traffic. These tourists are also unfamiliar with the roads and traffic laws, leading to mayhem amid family fun. Anaheim may not be as high on this list without being a major tourist destination. It is ranked 69 out of 100.
In 2020, the OTS reported traffic-related injuries or fatalities involving 1763 individuals. Of this number, 103 were pedestrians, and 61 rode motorcycles. Motorcycle riders are often unfairly labeled as reckless in accidents, but they can be victims, too. In such cases, motorcycle accident attorneys in Anaheim can advocate for them.
10. San Diego
Population: 1,381,162 (2022 US Census) or 4,255.9 people per square mile.
There are three million permanent residents in San Diego. They are drawn to the perfect weather, laid-back atmosphere, and stunning beaches. With so many residents, it’s no wonder there are major traffic concerns. Residents are reportedly stuck in traffic for 70 hours. It is a large city found in the southernmost part of California.
Being such a large city also means a higher percentage of accidents. Even the surrounding areas are impacted by traffic, infrastructure, and the resulting bumper-to-bumper traffic, as well as public transportation. Interstate 5, commonly referred to as the 5, is a significant factor in traffic collisions. A treacherous area, The Merge, reduces the number of lanes. This quick reduction in lanes leads to traffic congestion and frequent stops.
There can be close to a million drivers using the five daily. The freeway runs north to south. It connects to many other freeways through a labyrinth, which can lead to frustration and collisions. San Diego is ranked 71 out of 100 cities. In the event of collisions on these highways, freeway accident attorneys can support victims, especially if there are disputes with their claims.
In some cases, motorcycle riders can also become victims of hit-and-run accidents. On the other hand, riders may also commit hit-and-runs. When this happens, San Diego hit-and-run motorcycle accident lawyers may be able to help victims.
9. Santa Ana
Population: 308,189 (2022 US Census) or 11,347.4 people per square mile.
Santa Ana is the second city on this list from Orange County. It is known for its high crime rate. There aren’t many places to drive to in Santa Ana. Narrow streets and occasional inadequate signage can make navigation especially tricky for newcomers. The city’s frequent accident rates highlight potential road conditions and driver behavior issues.
Furthermore, limited parking spaces often lead to drivers searching for extended periods, increasing congestion. The mix of heavy pedestrian activity and regular public transportation stops further complicates the area’s driving experience. It is ranked 73 out of 100 cities.
8. Stockton
Population: 321,819 (2022 US Census) or 5,157.0 people per square mile.
While Stockton is known as a quiet area, you cannot escape the sounds of honking or yelling. Drivers become annoyed and aggressive when maneuvering around the area. Another standout in the city is its museums. Stockton boasts a range of museums that offer cultural and historical insights, making it a destination of interest for many visitors. The city is ranked 80 out of 100 nationally. Whether you are a local or just visiting, you may be able to seek compensation if you get hurt in an accident. Stockton personal injury lawyers can assist you throughout the process.
7. Long Beach
Population: 451,307 (2022 US Census) or 9,203.6 people per square mile.
The city name may have come from the amount of time people are stuck in traffic trying to get to the beach. It is a coastal city with lots of beaches. Visitors enjoy going to the beach to soak up the sun. On the downside, many people will become exhausted from traffic jams.
When it comes to driving, it is a dangerous city. Long Beach has a collision rate of one for every 78.33 residents. Additionally, collision rates overall are 46/50, ranking the city as 46 out of 50 for car crashes. Many of these crashes are from DUI or speeding. Speeding crash rates are 7/50, DUIs 7/50, and fatality rates 12/50. The total rate for Long Beach is 72, resulting in an A Grade. This grade reduces the risk of collisions compared to other crashes.
Pursuing claims can be challenging, particularly with DUIs. In these instances, Long Beach DUI accident victim lawyers can provide support when exploring other legal avenues for compensation.
6. San Bernardino
Population: 220,328 (2022 US Census) or 3,574.7 people per square mile.
If you go a few miles east of Los Angeles, you will find San Bernardino. It is a vibrant town with breathtaking mountain views. You may take in these views from your car during gridlock traffic. The city is ranked 87 out of 100 nationally. San Bernardino’s congestion intensifies during peak hours due to its expanding population and infrastructure needs. While some drivers are expected to drive with caution, collisions can still happen. San Bernardino car accident attorneys often rely on different pieces of evidence to determine liability in such cases.
5. San Jose
Population: 971,233 (2022 US Census) or 5,684.1 people per square mile.
The city is focused on catering to Silicon Valley and is situated in a hilly area. It is not a vehicle-centered town. However, it is known for its challenging driving conditions. Rapid growth has increased congestion, making navigation stressful, especially during rush hours. Downtown parking is limited, further complicating the experience. As a result, many opt for alternative transportation. It is ranked 88 out of 100 as one of the worst cities nationwide. Although people may try to avoid collisions, they can still occur. Accident lawyers in San Jose may be able to handle different types of crashes, including those involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians, among others.
4. Los Angeles
Population: 3,822,238 (2022 US Census) or 8,304.2 people per square mile.
It is no surprise that Los Angeles is on this list. The only surprise is that it isn’t number one on the list. They have one of the largest populations statewide, which is what has led to numerous accidents. Another significant factor is Interstate 15, with 18 million drivers annually. The 180 miles of road allow residents and visitors to get almost everywhere. This highway has also been included in mechanics’ top 10 most dangerous roads in America list.
Studies on I-15 show that over 14 years, there were 466 fatalities. Many reasons for crashes are a lack of seatbelts, impaired driving, and distracted driving. LA is infamous nationwide for traffic congestion. It is also a city where walking is faster than driving. The city is also known for its high rate of traffic crashes.
Road accidents are prevalent for many reasons. Factors that lead to crashes in LA are speeding and DUI. Other risk factors can make it challenging to get around. Drivers unfamiliar with the city’s challenging roads should try to avoid driving in Los Angeles. The best idea is to drive only when you have experience on these roads or are aware of the specific rules and public safety regulations. However, when a crash occurs, victims can turn to Los Angeles traffic accident lawyers for legal support.
Overall, Los Angeles has a D Grade. This designation means the city has the highest rate of accidents. It also means you should stay alert at all times. The collision rate is 38/50 for Los Angeles. Speeding crash rates are 32/50, and DUIs are 27/50. The fatality rate is 23/50, resulting in a total count of 120. Our California car accident lawyers can help clients seek compensation after collisions in LA.
3. Berkeley
Population: 118,950 (2022 US Census) or 11,917.3 people per square mile.
Among the most hazardous roads in Berkeley is I-80, which claims 23 fatalities annually. For every 100,000 residents, there were 5.4 traffic fatalities in 2019. Known to have some hazardous roads for drivers, the city’s layout is not particularly conducive to safe driving. As many people walk on its busy streets, this can make driving tricky. Therefore, drivers should be cautious and vigilant when driving in the city. Whether you are a driver, pedestrian, or cyclist, you may be able to pursue compensation if someone else caused your injuries. Personal injury attorneys in Berkeley can assist you in navigating the legal process.
2. Oakland
Population: 430,553 (2022 US Census) or 7,878.4 people per square mile.
Based on studies from OTS, Oakland received low rankings of 98 in cost of ownership and maintenance, 85 in safety, 92 in traffic infrastructure, and 44 in access. Driving around Oakland can be dangerous. Many of the roads lack maintenance, an element that Oakland car accident lawyers may consider when evaluating a collision. That has also led to bruised highways connecting the city. These factors have earned Oakland the number two spot as the worst city to drive in the state of California.
1. San Francisco
Population: 808,437 (2022 US Census) or 18,629.1 people per square mile.
Taking the lead as the worst city in California for driving is San Francisco. It has the biggest bridge in the country. Many of the issues that led to San Francisco being the worst are angry drivers, poor road conditions, and broken-down vehicles on highways. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) conducted a study in 2009 showing that San Francisco had the highest number of injuries and deaths among all cities statewide with populations over 250,000.
The study also found that San Francisco had 2,777 deaths and injuries from car accidents in 2020. The city also ranked first for other accidents overall, according to the OTS. Additionally, the city ranked first for deaths and injuries in the following accidents:
- Pedestrians (65 and older): 86
- Motorcycles: 353
- Bicyclists: 413
- Pedestrians (all ages): 572
Accidents Caused By San Francisco’s Distracted Drivers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that eight drivers are killed in crashes daily involving a distracted driver. Silicon Valley is located in the San Francisco Bay Area. The valley is home to companies like Apple, Facebook, Google, and others. Leading technology is born here. While the technology is beneficial to the world, it can be harmful to drivers. Even bicyclists suffer the consequences of distracted driving. In such cases, they can rely on San Francisco bicycle accident lawyers for legal assistance.
San Francisco drivers have access to new technology before anyone else. That means they are likely to use their cell phones and other new tech behind the wheel. Using your cell phone or other technology while driving is illegal in California. If distracted driving is the cause of a collision, you may be able to seek compensation for the resulting injuries and losses. This negligent behavior is unacceptable. Liable parties should be accountable for their actions.
Drivers are not the only ones at risk of being in an accident. The Bay Area also has a high concentration of pedestrians. You can be involved in a collision as a pedestrian as well. In either situation, a quick call to a car accident lawyer from Arash Law in California may be helpful to your case.
Upland, California
While we promised 20 cities, there is one more that is notable. It has a major Interstate that spans 150 miles. Interstate 10 is considered the most dangerous route in the area, spanning from the California border to Phoenix. This stretch of road is notorious for being very harrowing for drivers.
Another section that stands out is the stretch that runs through Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Santa Monica. Accidents in these areas are often caused by high traffic volumes. However, speeding and distracted driving are other significant contributors to collisions.
The California Department of Transportation acknowledged these stretches of roadway are so dangerous that they have established investigation sites. More must be done to prevent collisions. However, if you are in a crash in Upland, a California car accident attorney from Arash Law can help you explore your options in pursuing compensation.
Your Options After A Traffic Crash In California
Our team at Arash Law knows the struggles that many of our clients face after a car accident. When a negligent driver causes a collision and you suffer injuries, know that you may have legal options.
You may have grounds to seek compensation for damages, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Future medical expenses
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Lowered earning capacity
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- Property damage
Car accident claims lawyers can assist you in determining the types of damages that may apply to your case. They can also calculate the approximate value of your claim, giving you a clearer understanding of what to expect.
You may not be able to avoid all the cities on this list when commuting. What you can do is stay alert and call us if you are in a collision. Many car accidents are preventable and due to negligence. We can help you seek to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. Speak to a California car accident attorney for assistance in filing your case.
Call Our California Car Accident Lawyers
Even if you have a valid claim for compensation due to a traffic accident, there is a chance that it will be denied or you will receive a low settlement offer. That’s where Arash Law’s car accident lawyers come in. We work diligently to pursue just compensation, not just to reimburse your expenses but also to address your future financial needs. With a deep understanding of personal injury law and California’s highways and local roads, they have the experience to guide you through your claim and advocate for your rights.
Arash Law is dedicated to helping car accident victims seek financial compensation. We have decades of collective experience handling personal injury cases. We can represent clients throughout California, including in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Irvine, Alameda, Oakland, Riverside, and everywhere in between.
You may handle a personal injury claim yourself, but hiring an attorney can help you navigate the process. Let our California auto collision lawyers guide you every step of the way. Contact our office at (888) 488-1391 to schedule a free initial consultation.
