Most Dangerous Roads in San Diego
San Diego is one of the West Coast’s most desirable cities to reside in and visit. The abundance of beautiful beaches and countless attractions has made San Diego a jam-packed city. Due to the increasing population, frequent tourists, and numerous activities and events, the area has become more dangerous to drive in than ever before. Below is data provided by San Diego Open Data Portal, Circulate San Diego, and local news channels that show where the most dangerous intersections and freeways are in San Diego
Key Takeaways
- Most Dangerous Intersections: University Avenue and 52nd Street; notorious for high crash rates historically.
- Fatality Hotspots: The I-5 (specifically Hawthorn St. to National Ave.) and the I-15 (Miramar Way to Scripps Poway Pkwy.).
- Peak Crash Times: Like many other Southern California cities, San Diego sees an increase in crashes during rush hours, 7-9 am and 4-6 pm.
- Top Contributing Factors: Speeding, inattentive driving, and impaired driving are the leading causes of accidents in San Diego.
- Serious Injury Locations: The I-5 and the I-15, as well as busy intersections near the University (San Diego State University) and other pedestrian populated areas see the most serious injury collisions.
Most Dangerous Intersections in San Diego
Above shows the crash counts for the most dangerous intersections in San Diego. The common causes of crashes in these areas are failing to yield, distracted driving, and speeding. It is helpful to know which intersections experience the most accidents to use extra caution at these locations.
San Diego Crash-Prone Roads and Corridors
These corridors and roads are prone to crashes for a few reasons. These roads feature high speed limits, merging lanes, and urban congestion. Many of these crashes are rear-end collisions, or pedestrian involved incidents.
Peak Crash Times in San Diego
Like many other Southern California cities, San Diego experiences increased congestion during rush hours. From the times 7-9 am and 4-6 pm on weekdays, the chances of getting into an accident in San Diego is much higher. Other factors that increase the likelihood of getting in an accident are weather conditions. Rainy seasons are also correlated with increased crashes in San Diego.
Most Common Cause for Crashes in San Diego
- Speeding: Most notable on the I-5 and I-15 freeways where speed limits tend to be disobeyed. Many drivers exceed 100 miles per hour, leading to many speed related accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Another leading cause of accidents is distracted driving. Phone usage while driving has increased dramatically over the years and as a result, many accidents have been caused by distracted driving.
- Alcohol Impaired Driving: Fatal crashes have increased especially on weekends due to driving under the influence of alcohol and other substances. San Diego has seen growth in their nightlife scene which has increased the dangers of driving late at night on weekends.
Know the Hotspots Before You Hit the Road
Driving in San Diego can be as risky as it is scenic, especially during peak hours and along high-crash corridors like the I-5, I-15, and University Avenue. With speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving continuing to be the top causes of accidents, it’s more important than ever for motorists to stay alert and drive responsibly. By understanding the most dangerous roads and intersections, drivers can take extra precautions to help reduce accidents and save lives. Whether you're a local commuter or a tourist exploring the city, being aware of these high-risk areas can make all the difference in staying safe on San Diego’s roads.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident on any of these roads or anywhere near San Diego, don’t wait, contact The Gould Firm today. Our team is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve and help you get back on the road to recovery.