How the Safety of California’s Highway System Compares to That of Other States

Wednesday, February 15, 2023 by The Law Offices of J. Jeffrey Herman

California is home to some of the busiest highways in the United States. With a population of over 39 million people and a vast network of highways spanning the state, safety on California’s roads is a top concern. This overview will help you better understand just how safe California’s highways are when compared to those in other states throughout the country.

California Highway Fatality Rates

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), California had a total of 3,304 traffic fatalities in 2019. This is a decrease from 2018, when the state recorded 3,563 traffic fatalities.

When adjusted for population, California’s fatality rate per 100,000 people was 8.4 in 2019. This is slightly lower than the national average of 8.8.

However, compared to some other states, California’s fatality rate is still somewhat high. In 2019, 25 states had lower fatality rates than California, while 24 states had higher rates. The state with the lowest fatality rate in 2019 was Massachusetts, with a rate of 5.5 fatalities per 100,000 people. The state with the highest fatality rate was Mississippi, with a rate of 22.6 fatalities per 100,000 people.

Factors Contributing to Accidents on California’s Highways

There are a number of factors that can contribute to accidents on California’s highways, including:

• Traffic congestion: California’s highways are notoriously congested, which can increase the risk of accidents. Quite simply, when there are more vehicles on the road, there are more opportunities for accidents to occur.
• Driver behavior: Reckless driving, distracted driving, and impaired driving are all major factors in accidents on California’s highways.
• Road conditions: Poor road conditions, including potholes and uneven pavement, can increase the risk of accidents.
• Weather conditions: Heavy rain, fog, and other weather conditions can make driving more hazardous.

Efforts to Improve Highway Safety in California

Despite the challenges facing California’s highways, the state has made significant efforts to improve highway safety in recent years. Some of these efforts include:

• Increased enforcement: California has stepped up enforcement efforts to crack down on dangerous driving behaviors such as distracted driving, speeding, and drunk driving.
• Infrastructure improvements: The state has invested in infrastructure improvements such as widening highways, improving signage, and enhancing visibility to help reduce the risk of accidents.
• Public education campaigns: California has launched public education campaigns aimed at raising awareness about safe driving practices and the importance of wearing seat belts.
• Technological advances: The state has also embraced new technologies such as automatic emergency braking and lane departure warning systems, which can help to reduce the risk of accidents.

Staying Safe on California’s Roads

Obeying traffic laws and remaining aware of your surroundings and the motorists with whom you’re sharing the road can help you minimize your chances of being harmed in an accident while navigating California’s highways. However, it’s possible you’ll one day be involved in an accident because another party is negligent.

Has this happened to you? If so, strongly consider reviewing your case with a California car accident attorney. At the Law Offices of J. Jeffrey Herman, we may be able to help you secure financial compensation for your medical bills and other such losses. Get started today by contacting us online or calling us at 805-983-2344 for a free consultation.