California has some of the most dangerous roads in the U.S., with accident rates that highlight the risks drivers face across the state. Whether due to high traffic volumes, poor road conditions, or negligent motorists, these roads pose serious hazards. If you or someone you love has been injured in an auto accident, you should consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer San Jose.
Here’s a review of the top 10 most dangerous roads to drive in California:
Monterey Road (San Jose)
Monterey Road is a heavily trafficked and dangerous road in San Jose, known for its high accident rate. The road runs through residential areas, commercial districts, and industrial zones, leading to a diverse mix of drivers and road users, including pedestrians and cyclists. Speeding and red-light violations are common, leading to numerous crashes, especially at intersections. Moreover, there are several unmarked crosswalks and poorly lit areas, making nighttime driving particularly hazardous.
Interstate 5 (I-5)
Running from Mexico to Canada, Interstate 5 is one of the busiest highways in California, cutting through major cities like San Diego, Los Angeles, and Sacramento. With its mix of heavy truck traffic, long stretches of rural roads, and high-speed limits, I-5 sees a significant number of fatal accidents each year. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are several high-fatality zones along this route, particularly between Los Angeles and Sacramento.
Interstate 405 (I-405)
Also known as the “405,” this freeway is infamous for its gridlock, especially in the Los Angeles area. The 405 is heavily congested, with millions of commuters using it daily. Despite the traffic, speeding and reckless lane changes contribute to frequent accidents, often leading to severe collisions. The areas around the Sepulveda Pass and West Los Angeles are hazardous due to high traffic volumes and complex interchanges.
U.S. Route 101 (US-101)
The historic U.S. Route 101, or “El Camino Real,” runs along the coast from Southern California to the northern part of the state. While it offers picturesque views, certain sections are particularly hazardous, especially near Ventura and San Francisco. The stretch between San Jose and Gilroy is one of the most accident-prone areas due to frequent merging lanes, speeding, and dense traffic.
California State Route 99 (SR-99)
State Route 99 runs through the heart of California’s Central Valley, connecting cities like Bakersfield, Fresno, and Stockton. Despite being a major agricultural thoroughfare, SR-99 is notorious for its high accident rates. The road’s outdated infrastructure, combined with heavy traffic and speeding, contributes to one of the highest fatality rates among California highways. The stretch between Fresno and Modesto is hazardous, with narrow lanes and heavy truck traffic posing significant risks.
Interstate 80 (I-80)
I-80 runs east-west from San Francisco to the Nevada border, passing through Sacramento and the Sierra Nevada mountains. The freeway is dangerous due to rapidly changing weather conditions, especially during winter, when snow and ice make driving treacherous. The mountainous terrain also contributes to accidents involving large vehicles. The stretch around Donner Pass is particularly hazardous due to steep grades and sharp turns.
California State Route 1 (Pacific Coast Highway)
California’s iconic Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) offers stunning ocean views, but it’s also one of the most dangerous roads in the state. Winding along the cliffs of the Pacific Ocean, SR-1 has narrow lanes, sharp curves, and little room for error. Landslides and rockfalls can make the road even more dangerous, especially near Big Sur. This highway is especially hazardous for tourists unfamiliar with the challenging driving conditions and locals who may drive recklessly around the winding sections.
Interstate 10 (I-10)
I-10 is a major east-west route stretching from Los Angeles to the Arizona border. The section through the Inland Empire and into Palm Springs is hazardous due to high speeds, congested traffic, and long desert stretches where drivers are prone to fatigue. The portion of I-10 that passes through San Bernardino is frequently ranked among the most accident-prone highways in California.
California State Route 138 (SR-138)
State Route 138, also known as “Blood Alley,” is notorious for its treacherous conditions and high accident rates. This rural highway connects Palmdale to the Cajon Pass and has been the site of many fatal accidents, mainly due to head-on collisions. The road is narrow, winding, and poorly lit, with few barriers to separate oncoming traffic. Despite efforts to improve safety with road expansions and signage, SR-138 remains one of the most dangerous roads in California, particularly for those unfamiliar with its curves and dips.
Interstate 15 (I-15)
I-15 runs from Los Angeles to Las Vegas and is a major route for both commuters and tourists. The section between San Bernardino and the Nevada state line, mainly through the Cajon Pass, is known for frequent accidents. Steep grades, high winds, and traffic congestion contribute to numerous crashes each year. The road also passes through long stretches of desert, where drivers often speed, increasing the risk of fatal collisions.
San Jose is Working to Make the City’s Most Dangerous Roads Safer
In early 2024, San Jose received a boost in the form of federal funding to improve the safety of some of its most hazardous roads. The city was awarded $12.9 million from the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program to implement safety enhancements on four key transit corridors.
One of these corridors, Curtner Avenue—located between Canoas Gardens and Highway 87—has experienced frequent accidents despite not previously being classified as a high-risk area. Planned improvements for Curtner Avenue include the construction of a raised bike path to separate vehicles from pedestrians and the addition of a new sidewalk to improve pedestrian safety.
Expanding the List of Dangerous Roads in San Jose
In 2023, San Jose expanded its list of dangerous roads from 17 to 30, now including Curtner, Moorpark, and Meridian Avenues. Eight of the newly added corridors are extensions of streets that had already been recognized for high accident rates. Other areas set for improvements through the federal grant include Monterey Road at Curtner Avenue and Tully Road, Capitol Expressway at Senter Road, and East Santa Clara Street at 11th Street.
Planned Safety Enhancements
The planned safety measures will vary based on each corridor’s specific needs. These enhancements will range from extending pedestrian crosswalk times to building raised and separated bike lanes. According to Colin Heyne, a spokesperson for the city’s Department of Transportation, the design phase for these projects will start in September 2024, with construction beginning in fall 2027 and expected completion by fall 2029.
Utilizing AI for Road Safety in San Jose
In August 2024, San Jose introduced a cutting-edge tech initiative to use advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and computer vision technology to improve traffic safety. The project is designed to automatically detect road hazards such as obstructions, illegal parking in bike lanes, and the dumping of large objects, which create significant risks for pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and individuals using assistive mobility devices.
Get Strong Legal Representation from Our California Auto Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured in a California auto accident, trust the award-winning team at Caputo & Van Der Walde – Injury and Accident Attorneys to fight for your rights. With over 85 years of collective experience and prestigious recognitions like California Trial Lawyer of the Year and membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, our firm has a proven record of settlements and verdicts for our clients. We are AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, a Top Law Firm by Newsweek, and top-rated by Super Lawyers.
To schedule your free consultation, call us at 866-953-9475 or contact us online.