While motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere and at any time, data published by U.C. Berkeley in 2017 shows that they most often occur in California on Saturdays between noon and 6:00 pm. The data also indicates that the most dangerous hours to ride are between 3:00 and 6:00 pm on weekdays.
California is also the state with the most motorcycle accident deaths. According to data published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2020, there were more motorcycle deaths in California (491 total) than anywhere else. Some of these accidents are caused by the motorcyclist’s own negligent driving. However, most accidents and injuries are caused by other motorists. If you’ve been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident in the vicinity of Los Angeles County, please contact Salamati Law for a free consultation. We believe that all victims of negligence deserve fair compensation as they recover from their injuries and rebuild their lives.
Where Do Most Motorcycle Accidents Occur in LA?
Los Angeles is known for its heavy traffic, and nearly every road in the city can have bumper-to-bumper traffic at peak driving times. Statistics published by the State of California in 2017 bear this out–there were more motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles county than in any other location in the state. Moreover, there were 4,330 motorcycle accidents in Los Angeles county in 2017, significantly more than in San Diego (1,616), Orange (1,117), Riverside (846), and San Francisco (508).
Further, certain roadways are considered significantly more dangerous than others by local LA drivers and include:
- US 101: US Route 101, stretching from Los Angeles northward to Tumwater, Washington, is the longest highway in California. One particular stretch of it–between Franklin Ave and Glendale Boulevard–is also one of the most congested in America, according to the American Highway Users Alliance. The data they published in 2015 reports that the area of US 101 cost drivers 5.4 million hours in drive time and over 1.7 million gallons in wasted fuel. This congestion can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists, making US 101 one of the most hazardous roads in Los Angeles.
- Interstate 5: I-5 is the most heavily trafficked north-south highway on the west coast. Day or night, Interstate 5 is known for its incredibly dense and fast-moving traffic, making it a dangerous road for a motorcyclist. There is one crash per mile on Interstate 5, making it one of the most treacherous in the state.
- Interstate 405: It serves each of Los Angeles’ airports and is the second-most congested and highly-trafficked freeway in the United States as of 2015, which naturally makes it dangerous for motorcyclists. Two stretches of I-405–between SR22 and I-605 and between Venice Boulevard and Wilshire Boulevard–rank among the top five in the American Highway Users Alliance’s list of the biggest bottlenecks in the United States.
Common Sense Tips to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents in LA
Like every vehicle on the road, even the safest and most experienced motorcyclists are vulnerable to negligent drivers. Drivers must always remember to stay alert, observe all traffic laws, and practice general caution and common sense. In addition, all motorists are wise to:
- Check the intersection for those making left-hand turns or yielding.
- Leave ample room between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Following too closely can result in a rear-end collision if the vehicle in front comes to an abrupt stop.
- Obey all street signs and traffic lights.
- Don’t drive distracted with your cell phone in hand.
- Observe the driving of the others on the road, watching for erratic behavior, broken tail lights, and other indications of driver or vehicle impairment.
- Stay sharp- don’t drive if you are too tired or impaired in some way.
Call Salamati Law for a Free Consultation
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident in LA, it is vital that you immediately contact an experienced Los Angeles motorcycle accident lawyer at Salamati Law. We have won our clients millions in damages for our personal injury cases, and we know how to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
