Whenever you get behind the wheel of a motorized vehicle, there’s an inherent risk of getting into a fatal accident. Since we drive every day, whether to work or the store, California residents need to be aware of the dangers on the road to protect themselves and be ready if something happens. Car accidents happen for a variety of reasons, but the leading cause of traffic fatalities in California is speeding.
Understanding the risk and impact of a car accident can keep you focused on the road and safe. At Compass Law Group, LLP, we’ve seen firsthand the devastation that comes from a traffic fatality. We’ll go over the leading causes of traffic fatalities in California and what preventative measures you can take to protect yourself and others on the road.
Statistics on Traffic Fatalities in California
California has seen a steady increase in car accidents and traffic fatalities in recent years. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the state saw a 7.6% increase in traffic fatalities from 2020 to 2021. These types of incidents don’t just impact daily commuters driving to work but everyone who shares the road. Statistics show that pedestrians, motorcyclists, and teens are particularly vulnerable to traffic fatalities.
These fatalities can be broken down by accident type. Alcohol-impaired driving fatalities increased by 16%, and motorcycle fatalities increased by 3%. These trends have continued to climb in recent years, putting California residents at increased risk every time they get behind the wheel.
The Leading Cause of Traffic Fatalities in California
What is the leading cause of traffic fatalities in California? The answer may not shock you: the leading cause is speeding. Excessive speed reduces a driver’s ability to react to sudden changes on the road, increases stopping distance, and makes collisions far more severe. Unfortunately, many drivers underestimate just how dangerous speeding can be.
Speeding-related crashes are often the result of more than just pressing too hard on the gas pedal. Drivers may speed due to running late, road rage, or simply because they feel comfortable going above the posted limit. However, speed limits exist for a reason—they are designed to keep everyone safe by accounting for road conditions, visibility, and traffic patterns.
Speeding not only increases the risk of getting into an accident, but your speed also impacts the severity of the injuries. On average, an accident will become fatal once the cars are traveling at 70 miles per hour (MPH) or faster.
The dangers of speeding extend beyond just losing control of a vehicle. Higher speeds make it harder to navigate curves, increase the risk of rollovers, and significantly reduce the effectiveness of seat belts and airbags. Even a small increase in speed can have deadly consequences, especially in pedestrian-heavy areas or during inclement weather.
Other Major Causes of Traffic Fatalities
Risky driving practices can put everyone on or near the road in danger. Other driving behaviors that put yourself and others at risk of a fatal traffic accident include:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving not only increases the risk of getting into an accident but also impacts the severity of the crash. When a driver is not fully focused on the road, their reaction time is significantly delayed, making it harder to avoid sudden obstacles or hazards. Even a split-second distraction—like glancing at a phone or adjusting the radio—can lead to a devastating collision. Other common distractions include texting or mobile phone usage, eating, and distracting passengers.
Not all driving distractions are as obvious as holding a phone in front of your face. There are visual, manual, and cognitive distractions that can take your focus away from the road. Visual distractions, such as your phone or a billboard, take your eyes off the road. Manual distractions take your hands off the wheels, such as flipping through songs, eating, putting on makeup, or reaching for something that fell on the floor. On the other hand, cognitive distractions are when your mind starts to wander away from paying attention to the road.
Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or other substances is dangerous for everyone on the road. While alcohol is legal in California, it’s illegal to get behind the wheel with a blood alcohol content of 0.08% or higher.
There’s a reason driving under the influence of any substance, whether legal or illegal, is a punishable offense in the eyes of the law. These substances impair your judgment and slow down your reaction time, leading drivers to make unsafe driving decisions, such as swerving or running a red light. On top of that, they can’t react fast enough to avoid a potential collision or slow down, leading to a greater chance of fatality.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving refers to any behaviors that are unnecessary and put other drivers at risk. Driving while angry can also be considered aggressive driving.
This can include tailgating another car, road rage, intentionally swerving in front of another car, and other behaviors. Aggressive drivers make reckless decisions at high speeds, making potential collisions that much more dangerous.
Drowsy Driving
Fatigue and drowsiness decrease your reaction time behind the wheel and negatively impact your decision-making skills. If a car in front of you makes a sudden stop, your brain may not register it until it’s too late to avoid a collision.
Improper Turns and Lane Changes
Even though drivers frequently change lanes and make turns, it can still be dangerous if you are not paying attention. Failure to use turn signals or check blind spots can cause drivers to turn into another car they can’t see, which can quickly become fatal when traveling at high speeds on the interstate.
One tool we have at our disposal to help reduce these types of instances is driver’s education programs. Teaching drivers about traffic laws and how to perform basic maneuvers like turns has been shown to reduce the number of collisions caused by improper turns.
Poor Road Conditions
A clean and well-maintained road ensures smooth travel with few hazards. However, roads with potholes and faded traffic signs create additional hazards that put drivers at risk. Local weather patterns, such as increased heat, can also wear down the pavement and lead to further issues.
Road conditions are the responsibility of the local government bodies in the area. California has worked in recent years to improve road safety standards to decrease the number of annual car accidents across the state.
Demographics and Behavioral Patterns
While everyone on the road is at risk of a fatal accident, recent research shows that certain demographics are at a higher risk than others. According to the data, young male adults ages 21-25 have the highest rate of fatal accidents in the state of California.
The data shows a correlation between these demographics and the rate of fatal accidents, but why are these two things related? One theory states that young adults in their early 20s have different driving behavioral tendencies that increase their risk of getting into an accident. Young male drivers are more prone to speeding and aggressive driving tendencies, which puts them in danger of a fatal accident.
Get in Touch with The Legal Experts at Compass Law Group
When you get in a car, you do so with the understanding that something could potentially happen. There’s a level of risk to everything we do daily, and driving is no exception. Being aware of the risk helps you be prepared as you drive and stay focused on your surroundings.
Dangerous driving habits such as speeding, texting behind the wheel, swerving, and driving while intoxicated all impact your ability to react to a situation, putting yourself and others at risk. At the right speeds, a collision can quickly become fatal, leading to the wrongful death of a loved one. Adults in their early 20s are at a greater risk of a fatal accident, according to statistics, and many attribute this to behavioral patterns.
If you’ve found yourself in a car accident or if you’ve lost someone dear to you in an accident, don’t hesitate to contact Compass Law Group. Our team of Los Angeles car accident attorneys will fight for your rights and ensure you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and go over what your legal options are.
