High-Speed Accidents on the 405 Freeway: What You Need to Know
High-speed accidents can lead to life-altering and often fatal collisions on Los Angeles’ bustling 405 Freeway. Understanding 405 Freeway statistics and trends can help you avoid serious collisions. Here’s the latest on high-speed accidents on the 405 Freeway.
Need-to-Know Statistics About California’s 405 Freeway
Stretching some 72 miles through some of the most densely populated areas of Southern California, the 405 Freeway is a critical thoroughfare for commuters and travelers alike. It passes through major hubs and cities like West Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Irvine, making it one of the busiest freeways in the nation.
A recent article in the Los Angeles Times cited data from The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), which found that heavy congestion on the 405 Freeway creates unpredictable traffic conditions at peak travel times. While slow-moving traffic characterizes holiday rush periods, sudden slowdowns and reckless driving often lead to aggressive driving practices that can cause high-speed collisions.
Stop-and-go patterns that are the hallmark of many California highways can increase the risk of rear-end crashes that can lead to whiplash and other serious injuries. Traffic weaving also contributes to severe collisions.
Statewide Collision Statistics
According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) 2022 Annual Report, speeding is a leading cause of fatal accidents statewide. In 2021, California recorded 4,258 traffic fatalities, with excessive speed, reckless driving, and impairment playing significant roles.
OTS’ findings confirm that high-speed crashes remain a statewide concern, particularly on major highways like the 405. The report also notes efforts to curb dangerous driving through the “Slow the Fast Down” campaign, which aims to reduce fatal speed-related accidents.
Impaired and distracted driving further escalate risks on the 405. Drivers who are under the influence, texting, or otherwise inattentive may fail to react to traffic changes, increasing the likelihood of high-speed collisions.
Aggressive behaviors, such as tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and excessive speeding, are particularly dangerous on a freeway known for both congestion and long stretches of open road where drivers accelerate excessively.
National Highway Deaths Attributed to Speeding
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) finds that speeding contributes to nearly one-third of all U.S. traffic fatalities. Those numbers reached a 14-year high in 2021 with 12,330 deaths. Speeding also increases the chances that a collision leads to injuries.
The report also found that drivers who speed are more likely to be impaired by alcohol. They are also far less likely to wear seat belts. To address this crisis, the NHTSA launched its Speeding Wrecks Lives campaign that relies on a nearly $10 million media push targeting individuals between the ages of 18 and 44.
Tips for Staying Safe on the 405 Freeway
Accidents are an unavoidable reality of life, but drivers can take steps to prevent becoming caught up in an avoidable collision. When driving on the 405 Freeway, maintain a safe following distance. Sudden slowdowns are common on this highway and can lead to rear-end collisions. Avoid distracted driving behaviors by staying off your phone and only adjusting GPS settings when you are safely parked.
Stay in your lane and avoid unnecessary lane changes that could increase your risk of being in a sideswipe collision. If other drivers engage in aggressive driving habits, let them pass and don’t engage in retaliatory behavior. Be extra cautious near exits and on-ramps where sudden stops are more common. Obey speed limits and be prepared to adjust your driving habits to reflect changing road conditions.
FAQs
Q: What Is the Most Common Type of Freeway Accident?
A: On freeways in Los Angeles, rear-end collisions are fairly common due to the realities of sudden stops and slowdowns. Trailing can also increase the risk of a rear-end collision on congested highways like the 405 Freeway. High-speed rear-end collisions can be very dangerous for all parties involved in a crash. Common injuries following a rear-end collision include whiplash, back and neck injuries, and broken bones.
Q: What Should You Do After a Car Accident on a Highway?
A: Your top concern following a car accident on a highway should be to make sure you and your passengers are safe. Put your hazard lights on and call 911 to report the collision. Once police and EMS arrive, allow paramedics to check you for injuries. You may not notice injuries that are not immediately visible. Gather witness statements, take photos, and follow up with police by getting a copy of the police report. These steps can help you receive compensation later on.
Q: What Speed Qualifies as a High-Speed Crash?
A: High-speed collisions are generally considered to be any crash that involves at least one driver traveling 55 mph or higher. High-speed collisions are more likely to result in injuries and death. According to NHTSA, speed-related fatalities reached a 14-year high in 2021. According to NHTSA, nearly one-third of all traffic deaths involve excessive speeding.
Q: Which Drivers Have the Highest Risk of Accidents on the Road?
A: Young drivers aged 16-24 have the highest risk of accidents due to inexperience and risky behaviors like speeding and distracted driving. Reckless drivers, impaired drivers, and those who engage in aggressive driving also pose significant risks. Commercial truck drivers and fatigued motorists face increased accident risks, particularly on long-haul routes or congested highways.
Schedule Your High-Speed Collision Consultation Today
A high-speed collision can be a jarring and life-altering event that leaves you with serious injuries and uncertainty about what comes next. For more than three decades, Los Angeles drivers have relied on the legal services of Shaffer Law following a serious collision. We can secure you the compensation you need to move forward with confidence.
If the collision led to the death of a loved one, we can take steps to make sure the negligent driver is held accountable for the pain and suffering they caused. We bring more than 30 years of experience helping injured drivers and passengers. We won’t rest until we secure every penny that you are owed. Contact our office today to learn how we can help.
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