ConsumerAffairs has recently released a report stating that Interstate-5 in San Diego County is experiencing a surge in fatalities, making it the third deadliest road in California. This spike in deaths has been observed post-pandemic.
By analyzing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) in California spanning from 2018 to 2022, ConsumerAffairs has come up with a report highlighting the locations and factors that contribute to traffic fatalities.
Consumer Affairs reports that despite California’s population decline from 2018 to 2022, there has been a significant rise in deaths caused by car crashes in 2022. Shockingly, the number has gone up by 17% compared to the figures recorded before the pandemic in 2018.
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- 4 I-5 fatalities in San Diego County 2022 vs. 2018
- 5 I-5 fatalities in San Diego County in 2022
- 6 I-5: California’s deadliest road of 2022
- 7 California’s Deadliest Cities and Counties for Car Crashes
- 8 Tracking the Timeline of California’s Deadly Car Crashes
- 9 Stay Safe: Essential Tips for Driving on California’s Roads
- 10 Related
As per the traffic safety experts, the pandemic led to less congested roadways. However, this resulted in reckless driving and speeding, ultimately leading to a surge in fatal car accidents. ConsumerAffairs spoke to these experts who shared their observations on the matter.
According to the estimates for 2023, the number of fatalities caused by car crashes will decrease in California as its population also declines. However, it is still concerning to note that the fatalities are higher than the numbers seen before the pandemic. In 2023, there were 10.3 deaths per 100,000 people compared to 9.6 deaths per 100,000 people in 2018.
I-5 fatalities in San Diego County 2022 vs. 2018
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- 2018: 19 fatalities
- 2022: 21 fatalities
Seven of the 21 fatalities that occurred on I-5 in 2022 were due to speeding, and two were due to drinking. It was found that more fatalities were linked to speeding as compared to drinking. The remaining 12 fatalities were not specified.
I-5 fatalities in San Diego County in 2022
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- Fatalities: 21
- Fatalities with speeding: 7
- Fatalities with drinking: 2
I-5: California’s deadliest road of 2022
The I-5 Highway stretches across the entirety of California and was recorded as the deadliest road within the state in 2022, with a total of 128 fatalities. Although the number of deaths decreased from 150 in 2018, certain regions experienced an increase in fatalities as time progressed.
California’s Deadliest Cities and Counties for Car Crashes
Car accident deaths in California have increased in comparison to the period before the pandemic. Among California’s 10 most populated counties, eight of them are experiencing a surge in fatalities from car crashes that surpass the levels recorded before the pandemic.
According to ConsumerAffairs, San Bernardino County takes the top spot as the most perilous county with over 20 fatalities per 100,000 individuals due to car crashes in 2022. Riverside comes in second with nearly 14 deaths per 100,000 people, just ahead of Fresno with almost 20 deaths per 100,000.
Tracking the Timeline of California’s Deadly Car Crashes
According to the report, the researchers analyzed data from 2022 and discovered that the most dangerous time of day for car accidents resulting in fatalities was between 6 p.m. and midnight.
Between 6 a.m. to noon, fatal incidents happened with less frequency, accounting for only about 16% of total deaths.
Fatal crashes are evenly distributed throughout the week, but become more frequent on weekends, with Saturday being the most perilous day for driving.
According to ConsumerAffairs, the highest number of car crash deaths in 2022 occurred during August and October. The report suggests that this may be due to more people vacationing during these months, and younger drivers being out of school. Additionally, the month of October brings about visibility issues and slick surfaces, which could also contribute to the higher number of accidents during this time.
Stay Safe: Essential Tips for Driving on California’s Roads
If you want to drive more safely, take note of these tips from the “Go Safely” campaign’s traffic safety experts in California.
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- Stick to the speed limit signs
- Slow your vehicle at intersections (which usually have more drivers)
- Watch for pedestrians at crosswalks and unmarked corners. Always be ready to stop and allow pedestrians to cross
- Be extra cautious when driving in less-than-ideal driving conditions like anytime it’s dark, foggy or rainy
- Give bicyclists plenty of space when passing. California law actually requires drivers to change lanes when possible to pass bicyclists
- If there’s not enough space when passing a bicyclist, be patient and wait until it’s safe to pass
- Keep your phone on silent or “Do Not Disturb” mode. The iPhone has a Driving Focus Feature which can make your phone silent every time the car is moving. It even has the ability to send an automated message to those trying to contact you letting them know you are driving and will respond to them when it is safe.
- Do not drive when impaired with any substance, as it’s illegal. Create a game plan ahead of consuming alcohol or participating in any behavior that might impair your ability to drive, like consuming cannabis, prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications. Get a designated sober driver, use ride-share services or public transit
