The COVID-19 pandemic changed many things in Los Angeles, including the way people interacted with each other and reacted to new challenges. But one thing that never changed was the number of people who were killed in traffic accidents in LA.

As lockdown restrictions have begun relaxing again, car accidents are slowly on the rise again. Despite the city’s efforts to reduce the number of car accidents on its roads, poor driver behavior and road conditions are just some of the factors that lead to a high number of deadly crashes. Let's look at some of the main causes of car accidents in the city of Los Angeles.

Car Accident Rates in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, car accidents are on the rise. While the city isn't alone in this problem, the rate of car accidents has become very much noticeable in recent years. It was only in 2020 that accidents started to go down again, but it's mainly due to the lockdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, even after the number of cars on the roads had been drastically reduced and the number of overall car crashes dropped, the number of people killed in traffic accidents in Los Angeles remained virtually unchanged between 2010 and 2020.

To put it another way, even when the number of cars was cut in half, the number of people killed in car accidents didn't go down.

This is a very alarming sign. It shows that even if all the COVID-19 pandemic will do is to get people to stop driving for a few years, it will still save a lot of lives in Los Angeles. We should also note that, as people are slowly coming out of the pandemic and commuting options are slowly opening back up again, things are slowly getting back to "normal," and traffic accidents are still a problem.

What's Behind the High Rate of Car Accidents in Los Angeles?

As mentioned above, traffic accident deaths remained unchanged, even when the number of people killed in car accidents dropped dramatically. This seems to indicate that regardless of how many people are killed in traffic accidents in LA, the number of accidents is going to remain high.

So, the real question is: why are there that many traffic accidents in the city of Angeles?

There are many factors that can lead to a high rate of car accidents in Los Angeles. Let's look at some of the most important ones.

1. Distracted Driving

A new problem has arisen in the 21st century. It's a problem that's never been seen before, and it's causing havoc in the streets of Los Angeles. Distracted drivers are causing car accidents here. This is mainly due to drivers who are on the phone or doing some other kind of activity that may distract them from driving. Driving is a critical task that must be done safely. When you're texting, the risk of an accident has dramatically increased.

Every year, there's an average of 240 people killed in driving accidents in Los Angeles. A huge chunk of those deaths is due to distracted drivers or even pedestrians on the road. Distracted driving is on the rise, and unless drivers become more responsible, the number of accidents caused by it will only increase.

2. Unsafe Roads

Los Angeles has a lot of unsafe roads, especially in the city's poorer neighborhoods. This means that drivers, who are not familiar with these roads, are in danger of hitting potholes and other road damages.

A majority of the roads in Los Angeles are in bad condition. There's a need for all drivers to drive slowly when on damaged roads. If roads are not fixed right away, drivers are in danger of hitting holes and potholes on the road and causing an accident.

3. Drunk Driving

Drunk driving is perhaps one of the significant causes of car accidents in Los Angeles. Drivers who are impaired by alcohol are a danger to themselves and to others when they get behind the wheel. Driving under the influence of alcohol involves an irresponsible choice on the part of the driver because they put their own lives, as well as the lives of others, in danger.

A person who's under the influence could make driving mistakes due to their impaired state. If you're driving under the influence, you're more likely to get into an accident and end up injuring yourself or someone else. If you're riding a passenger in a car driven by an impaired driver, you're in a dangerous situation as well because, in such a moment, every second is crucial.

4. Reckless Driving

Reckless driving involves driving in a manner that's either unsafe or contrary to currently established traffic rules. Reckless drivers disregard other drivers and their own safety to get to their destination. Los Angeles has a lot of reckless drivers, and their attitude towards the road poses a big threat to other drivers.

5. Speeding

Speeding is another cause of car accidents. When drivers drive too fast for the road conditions, speeding becomes a dangerous problem. Speeding should never be done as you're putting your life and the lives of others at risk. If you're driving too fast on a dangerous road, you're most likely to get into an accident.

6. Traffic Congestion

Traffic congestion in Los Angeles is one of the biggest causes of car accidents. A driver who's stuck in traffic is at high risk of getting into an accident. When you're in a hurry, you might make unsafe decisions, and such decisions can be the cause of an accident. Unfortunately, Los Angeles has a lot of traffic, and it's not getting any better. This is going to put a lot of people at risk.

7. LA Weather Conditions

Los Angeles has a lot of accidents due to bad weather conditions. When roads are wet, it's impossible for drivers to drive at high speeds in the city. If you've driven in LA before, you know that it rains a lot in the city. This means that roads are always wet and slick. Driving in this kind of weather condition is one of the main causes of car accidents in Los Angeles.

Conclusion

With a lot to do and see in Los Angeles, it has become a hub for both tourists and locals. However, while it has a lot of cool attractions and things to do, it has also become a danger zone for drivers. Los Angeles may be a great destination, but it can also be a dangerous place to be if you don't pay attention when you're on the road.

If you happen to be involved in an accident, you're going to need the help of a good lawyer to guide you. This is where Mendez & Sanchez Law comes into play. Our team is here to help you fight your legal battles. The good thing about our services is if we don't win your case, you pay us nothing. With our experience and level of professionalism, we’re confident we can help you with your case. Whenever you need a Los Angeles auto accident lawyer, Mendez & Sanchez Law is the firm to call. Contact us today for a free consultation.