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The dangerous intersections in California have multiple lanes for traffic going straight, some have right turn lanes, and there are also left turn lanes. Add crosswalks and sometimes parallel parking spaces to the mix, and it’s not hard to see why the intersections are filled with hazards. The five intersections on the list have seen dozens of crashes per year and some of them have been fatal.
#5 – Los Angeles: Lindley Avenue and Roscoe Boulevard
Situated on main roads between Northridge Middle School and Cantara Street Elementary School, this dangerous intersection in California sees a lot of traffic. Van Nuys Airport and a hospital are just a few blocks away, too.
In 2015, two fatalities occurred at this intersection. In one of them, a 19-year-old college student was driving her Ford Mustang when a Honda Civic crashed into her vehicle. The driver of the Civic was arrested for DUI. She didn’t survive her injuries.
#4 – Downey: Firestone Boulevard and Lakewood Boulevard
All around this dangerous Downey intersection are stores, banks, restaurants, and hotels. Stonewood center is on one corner, a hospital is nearby, and lots of residences are within a block or two, which increases the number of cars going through the multi-lane intersection.
This intersection made it to fourth place due to NHTSA records showing there were 36 crashes. Of those crashes, there were 32 injuries received at that intersection during 2015.
#3 – Northridge: Balboa Boulevard and Nordhoff Street
Northridge has several dangerous intersections. Balboa and Nordhoff are surrounded by fast food establishments, entertainment venues, banks, gas stations, and the Balboa Nordhoff Shopping Center. In 2017, the intersection was the site of a fatal crash. Also, additional fatalities happened near the intersection in 2015 and 2017.
The 2017 fatal crash occurred when the driver of a vehicle crashed into an 18-wheeler. The passenger in the car was taken to the hospital in critical condition but survived. Tera Wilson died at the scene.
#2 – Playa Del Rey: Imperial Highway and Vista Del Mar
This end of the Imperial Highway meets Vista Del Mar, a highway that hugs the Californian coastline. With Los Angeles International Airport, Hyperion Treatment Plant, and Dockweiler Beach right there, the amount of traffic that intersection sees is tremendous. Between 2015 and 2017, three fatal crashes have taken place near this intersection.
To try to prevent some of these accidents, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation added another travel lane in areas and put in angled parking areas to help people parking to go to the beach avoid opening car doors into traffic.
#1 – Northridge: Devonshire Street and Reseda Boulevard
The most dangerous intersection in all of California is in Northridge. Devonshire Street and Reseda Boulevard meet at an intersection surrounded by the Devonshire-Reseda Shopping Center, Northridge Shopping Center, fast food establishments, and gas/service stations. With a load of traffic passing through, the posted speed limit of 40 doesn’t help prevent accidents. In a 10-year span, researchers found records of 108 crashes.
What Do You Do If You’re in a Crash?
When you’re in a crash, try to stay calm. Fear and panic can make it hard to think clearly. It’s important that you do three things: File a police report, seek medical care and call an attorney who specializes in auto accidents. If you can, get photos of the scene, damage to your car, and record or jot down notes regarding what happened.
Insurance companies are going to offer a settlement that’s in their best interests. KJT Law Group protects your interests. You don’t have to negotiate a settlement on your own. Get a free case evaluation from an experienced attorney.
Sources:
https://cdan.nhtsa.gov/STSI.htm
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/811366
https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2018/01/31/northridge-calif-most-dangerous-intersection/
https://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2015/06/21/police-investigating-fatal-northridge-crash/
https://www.safestreetspdr.org/vdm/
https://abc7.com/1-killed-1-critically-hurt-in-northridge-crash/2439124/
