Sacramento Car Accident Statistics
Sacramento, the bustling capital of California, is not immune to car accidents. With its dense population and busy roadways, car accident statistics reveal a deeper concern for traffic safety in this vibrant city. Understanding these numbers from major highways to local streets will shed light on the alarming frequency of collisions happening in Sacramento. Unfortunately, many of these accidents leave people with severe car accident injuries or, worse, result in death.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, Sette Law is here to help.
Driving In Sacramento
Driving in Sacramento can be both exhilarating and daunting. As the capital of California, it is a hub for business, tourism, and commuting. The city boasts a network of highways and thoroughfares that keep traffic flowing, but they can also become congested during rush hours. Navigating Sacramento requires drivers to stay alert and mindful as they share the road with thousands of other motorists.
The city’s diverse population adds to the complexity of driving in Sacramento. Drivers encounter various driving styles from different cultures and backgrounds. Additionally, tourists flock to popular attractions such as the State Capitol building or Old Sacramento, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to local roads.
Credit: VisitSacramento.com
Major Roads And Highways In And Around Sacramento
Sacramento is well-connected by a network of major roads and highways, facilitating efficient transportation in and around the city. Some of the key thoroughfares include:
- Interstate 5 (I-5): Running north-south, I-5 is one of the main arteries passing through Sacramento, connecting it to major cities like Los Angeles and Portland
- Highway 99: Also running north-south, Highway 99 traverses through Sacramento and provides access to Central Valley cities like Stockton and Fresno
- Interstate 80 (I-80): This east-west highway connects San Francisco to Lake Tahoe while passing through Sacramento. It serves as a crucial corridor for both local commuters and long-distance travelers.
- Business Loop 80 (BL-80): BL-80, also known as Capital City Freeway, is a local route that branches off from I-80 and circles through downtown Sacramento. It provides access to key destinations within the city.
- Highway 50: Running east-west, Highway 50 connects Sacramento to popular destinations such as South Lake Tahoe and connects with I-5 in West Sacramento
- Sunrise Boulevard: This major road spans across various suburbs of Sacramento County and provides convenient access to residential areas, shopping centers, and recreational facilities
- Watt Avenue: Another important north-south corridor in the region, Watt Avenue serves both local traffic and commuters traveling between different parts of Sacramento
Traffic Levels In Sacramento
Traffic levels in Sacramento can vary throughout the day. During peak commuting hours, typically from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, traffic congestion is more prevalent on major highways such as I-5, Highway 99, and I-80.
These roads can experience heavy volumes of vehicles traveling both into and out of downtown Sacramento. Additionally, popular routes leading to tourist attractions or shopping centers may also have increased traffic during weekends and holidays.
The Roads Or Highways Where The Most Car Accidents Occur
While specific statistics may vary, there are several roads and highways in Sacramento where car accidents tend to occur more frequently. These include:
- Interstate 80: As a major east-west thoroughfare passing through Sacramento, I-80 has a higher-than-average number of car accidents due to its heavy traffic volume and frequent congestion
- Highway 99: Another busy highway running through the city, Highway 99, experiences a significant number of car accidents as well, especially during peak commuting hours
- Capital City Freeway (BL-80): This freeway loop around downtown Sacramento can be prone to accidents due to its complex interchanges and heavy traffic flow
- Arden Way: As a popular commercial corridor with numerous shopping centers and businesses, Arden Way sees frequent collisions often caused by distracted driving or sudden lane changes
- Sunrise Boulevard: Stretching across various suburbs of Sacramento County, Sunrise Boulevard witnesses its fair share of car accidents attributed to high traffic volumes and potential speeding
Sacramento Car Accident Injury And Fatality Statistics
The car accident injury and fatality statistics in Sacramento are a cause for concern. According to recent data, the number of car accidents resulting in injuries or fatalities remains alarmingly high:
- In 2020, there were a total of 3,205 reported car accidents in Sacramento, resulting in injuries and fatalities, as reported by the California Office of Traffic Safety
- Alcohol was a contributing factor in 318 of these accidents in 2020
- Motorcyclists accounted for 154 injuries and fatalities in 2020
- 206 pedestrian injuries and fatalities occurred in 2020
- In 2021, fatal car crashes accounted for 70 accidents involving 115 vehicles, with 74 deaths, according to City-Data.com
Road Rage Statistics
Specific road rage statistics for Sacramento, CA, are not readily available. However, according to KCRA, Sacramento ranked third for aggressive drivers in 2019. Some general statistics related to road rage incidents nationwide, as reported by Bankrate, include:
- Yelling, honking, and tailgating are the most common types of road rage
- 78% of drivers committed some form of aggressive driving in the previous year
- 281 fatalities and 12,610 injuries from road rage occurred over a seven-year period
- Men are more likely to be guilty of road rage than women
- The primary reason given for road rage and aggressive driving is that someone is running late
- Drivers between 25 and 39 had the highest prevalence of road rage
- Drivers between 19 and 24 have a higher probability of ramming or bumping another vehicle, as well as preventing another vehicle from changing lanes
- Drivers 19 and younger are four times more likely to cause or be involved in a car accident resulting from road rage and aggressive driving
Accident Statistics Involving Commercial Vehicles
According to California Safe Roads, between 2008 and 2017, the Sacramento region accounted for 2,872 fatalities. Of those, 9%, or 258 crashes, involved commercial vehicles.
Pedestrian Accident Statistics
In 2020, 206 pedestrians were injured or killed in car accidents in Sacramento, with 14 being under the age of 15 and 27 over the age of 64. Data between 2008 and 2017 showed Sacramento had 19% of all pedestrian fatalities statewide.
Impaired Driving Accident Statistics
Alcohol was a factor in 318 injuries and deaths from car crashes in Sacramento in 2020. 95 of these were caused by drivers aged 21 to 34, while 11 were caused by someone drinking under the age of 21. From 2008 to 2017, Sacramento accounted for 44%, or 1,264 crashes, of the statewide alcohol and drug impairment and DUI fatalities.
The Most Common Causes Of Car Accidents In Sacramento
The most common causes of car accidents in Sacramento, CA, can vary, but several factors contribute to these incidents:
- Distracted driving: This includes activities such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, or using navigation systems while driving
- Speeding: Driving above the designated speed limit is a major factor in many accidents and reduces the driver’s ability to react quickly to unexpected situations
- Impaired driving: Operating a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol significantly impairs judgment, coordination, and reaction times
- Aggressive and reckless driving: Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, unsafe lane changes, failing to yield right-of-way, or disregarding traffic signals increase the risk of collisions
- Fatigue: Drowsy driving can impair decision-making abilities and lead to decreased attention on the road
- Traffic violations: Ignoring traffic laws such as running red lights or stop signs, illegal turns, or not yielding at crosswalks increases accident risks
- Inexperienced drivers: Teenage drivers who lack experience may be more prone to car accidents due to their inexperience and tendency to take more risks on the road
- Weather and poor road conditions: Rain, snow, ice, fog, potholes, debris, or inadequate signage can contribute to accidents if drivers are not prepared or attentive
- Vehicle malfunctions: Mechanical failures such as brake failure or tire blowouts can lead to loss of control and accidents
What Age Group Has The Most Accidents?
From 2008-2017, those aged 25 to 34 had the highest number of fatal and serious injury car accidents in California. Additionally, those aged 15 to 34 accounted for almost half of all fatal and severe injury crashes in the state.
Sette Law Is Here To Help You After Being Injured In A Car Accident
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, remember that you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. After a car crash in Sacramento, it is essential to protect your legal rights by speaking with a car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Sette Law is here to help protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. With over 26 years of experience, our personal injury attorney deeply understands car accident cases and will diligently pursue justice on your behalf. Your road to recovery starts with Sette Law by your side.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us guide you through this challenging time.
Sources:
California Safe Roads. (2017).
Coleman, S. (2022). Road Rage Statistics 2022.
Fatal Car Crashes and Road Traffic Accidents in Sacramento, California. (2021).
OTS Crash Rankings Results. (2020).
Sacramento Drivers Third-Most Aggressive in Nation, GasBuddy Study Says. (2019).