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Southern California Leads State in Traffic Fatalities
A new report analyzing 2023 traffic data reveals a grim reality on Southern California roads: five of the state’s most populous counties account for nearly half of California’s motor vehicle fatalities, with speeding, impaired driving, and pedestrian collisions emerging as the region’s deadliest threats.
The data, compiled by Vaziri Law Group, shows that while California reported 4,061 crash deaths last year, 2,011 of those occurred in just Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties—highlighting a disproportionate danger for millions of Southern California residents.
Traffic Deaths by County: A Regional Snapshot
County
Population
2023 Fatalities
Los Angeles
9.7M
807
San Diego
3.2M
378
Orange
3.1M
330
San Bernardino
2.5M
278
Riverside
2.2M
218
Collectively, home to over 20 million people, these counties bear the brunt of California’s traffic violence. The report also adjusts for population and finds that San Bernardino County had the highest fatality rate: 17.22 deaths per 100,000 residents, well above the state average.
What’s Killing Southern California Drivers?
The top three causes of road deaths mirror national trends, but are even more pronounced in Southern California:
Speeding was responsible for 663 deaths (33% of the regional total)
Drunk driving caused 658 fatalities, many involving drivers with BAC levels well above the legal limit
Pedestrian collisions resulted in 641 deaths, with Los Angeles County alone accounting for 276
Experts note that while fatalities in larger counties may seem expected, high per-capita rates in areas like San Bernardino and Riverside suggest that infrastructure, road design, and limited public transportation may be amplifying risk.
Men and Millennials Face the Greatest Danger
The demographic data in the report is equally sobering:
Men made up more than 75% of all crash victims (1,516 of 2,011 deaths)
Drivers aged 25–34 experienced the highest fatality count (453), likely due to riskier behaviors like speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving
Seniors and children were also at risk, with those aged 65+ and kids under 16 representing hundreds of fatalities
Solutions: Where to Go From Here
“This report should sound every alarm,” said a spokesperson for Vaziri Law Group. “We know the causes, we know the demographics, and we know the counties most affected. That means we know how to act, what’s missing is urgency.”
To reduce fatalities, the report calls for:
Targeted outreach to male drivers under 40, particularly around speeding and drunk driving
Infrastructure upgrades in high-risk counties like San Bernardino and Riverside
Improved crosswalks and pedestrian safety in dense urban areas
Stronger enforcement of speed limits and DUI laws
About Vaziri Law Group
With decades of experience representing auto accident victims across California, Vaziri Law Group is dedicated to holding negligent drivers accountable and helping victims recover compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.