Car accidents are an unfortunate and all-too-common occurrence on California roads, with thousands of people losing their lives or suffering severe injuries each year. According to data from the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), from 2019 to 2023, an average of 20,916 fatalities and serious injuries occurred per year across the state.
Many drivers want to know what is the most common reason for traffic fatalities in California. The leading causes of traffic accidents in California are human error, dangerous driving behaviors, and external factors that make the roads perilous. Let us look at the key causes of serious and fatal car accidents in the state, backed by California car accident statistics from SWITRS data.
Speeding
One of the most dangerous driving behaviors, speeding, is responsible for a large number of car accidents in California. Between 2019 and 2023, speeding-related motor vehicle accidents resulted in an average of 5,641 fatal crashes and serious injuries each year. Driving at excessive speeds reduces a driver’s ability to react in time to avoid a collision, increases stopping distances, and makes it more likely for an accident to result in severe or fatal injuries.
Speeding is particularly hazardous in adverse weather conditions, congested traffic, or on poorly maintained roads. Drivers need to remember that speed limits are in place for their safety, not as a target to exceed.
Drunk Driving
Drunk driving remains a leading car accident factor in California, contributing to a staggering 4,580 fatal accidents and serious injuries annually from 2019 to 2023. Despite the strict laws related to blood alcohol concentration levels in California, impaired driving continues to be a prevalent issue. Alcohol impairs a driver’s ability to make sound judgments, react quickly, and control a vehicle effectively, leading to devastating accidents.
While penalties for DUI offenses are severe, the risk of fatal or life-altering crashes remains high when negligent car drivers get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Public education and more vigorous enforcement of DUI laws are critical in addressing this issue.
Drug-Impaired Driving
Although not as frequent as alcohol-related serious accidents, drug-impaired driving also poses a considerable danger on California roads. SWITRS data shows that an average of 1,087 fatalities and severe injuries per year between 2019 and 2023 were the result of drug-involved accidents.
These figures include prescription medications and illicit substances that impair cognitive functions, motor skills, and the ability to focus on the road. With the legalization of recreational cannabis in California, there is growing concern over its impact on road safety. Driving under the influence of any drug, whether legal or illegal, is not only dangerous but against the law.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is another leading cause of deadly car crashes, resulting in an average of 799 fatalities and serious injuries per year in California from 2019 to 2023. Whether texting, talking on the phone, adjusting the GPS, eating, or interacting with passengers, distractions significantly reduce a driver’s ability to focus on the road and react in time to prevent a collision.
Even a momentary lapse in attention can lead to catastrophic accidents. California has implemented stringent laws prohibiting the use of handheld devices while driving, but the growing reliance on smartphones and in-car technology continues to present challenges for road safety.
Reckless or Aggressive Driving
While not always tied to a specific substance or distraction, reckless driving behaviors such as tailgating, running red lights, changing lanes without signaling, and other forms of aggressive driving are common causes of traffic fatalities in California. Drivers who act with disregard for traffic laws or the safety of others put themselves and everyone on the road at risk. These behaviors often escalate into road rage incidents, leading to collisions that could have been easily avoided with calmer driving.
Failure to Obey Traffic Signs
Ignoring stop signs, red lights, and other traffic signals is a frequent cause of accidents, especially in high-traffic areas and intersections. Failing to yield the right of way is also a standard error that may lead to a serious or fatal accident. These types of accidents are preventable, but they generally occur due to impatience, distraction, or reckless disregard for the rules of the road. An experienced personal injury lawyer San Jose can find the evidence to prove traffic law violations and hold the negligent driver liable for maximum damages on behalf of the injured victim.
Inexperienced Drivers
Inexperienced drivers, including teenagers, are more likely to be involved in car accidents or violate California Highway Patrol guidelines. Inexperience often leads to poor decision-making in high-pressure situations, misjudging distances or speeds, or failing to anticipate the actions of other drivers. California has implemented graduated licensing programs to mitigate the risks associated with new drivers, but the learning curve can still lead to accidents.
Drowsy Driving
Driving while fatigued or drowsy is a severe issue that usually goes under-reported. Tired drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment and are more likely to fall asleep behind the wheel. Long-haul drivers, shift workers, and those suffering from sleep disorders are particularly at risk. While California doesn’t have specific laws targeting drowsy driving, it remains one of the key reasons for car accident deaths in California.
Vehicle Defects and Maintenance Issues
Sometimes, accidents are not caused by driver error but by the failure of a vehicle’s critical components. Defective brakes, tires, or steering systems can lead to severe crashes. Moreover, failure to properly maintain a car—such as ignoring worn tires or malfunctioning lights—can increase the likelihood of an accident. In cases where defective parts are responsible for accidents, victims may pursue claims against the manufacturer or other responsible parties.
Get Our Top-Rated California Car Accidents on Your Side
If you have suffered injuries in a car accident, it is time to reach out to our experienced California car crash lawyers at Caputo & Van Der Walde. With over six decades of combined experience and a formidable record of recovering tens of millions of dollars for our clients, we are firmly positioned to take on powerful defendants and hold them liable for maximum damages.
With numerous awards and accolades to our name, insurance companies know we are relentless in our pursuit of the highest compensation for the victims in a personal injury or wrongful death claim, and we won’t back down from a fight. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 866-953-9475 or contact us online.