Study Identifies Southern California's Deadliest Junctions
Pedestrians and drivers should use extra caution at these five intersections that saw the most fatalities since 2019.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Car Types
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A new study analyzing federal traffic data from 2019 to 2024 has identified five specific intersections in Southern California as the state's deadliest for pedestrians. These locations recorded between two and three fatalities each during the six-year review period.
Why it matters
Understanding which high-traffic junctions pose the highest risk helps California families identify dangerous areas to navigate when driving or walking. The study highlights the persistent danger to pedestrians in crosswalks across major counties.
Between 2019 and 2024, Los Angeles County saw 356 crosswalk pedestrian deaths, compared to 89 in Orange County and 86 in San Diego County. The deadliest junctions include the intersections of Obama Boulevard and La Cienega Boulevard, and Central Avenue and 89th Street.
The players
Los Angeles County
The Southern California region that recorded the highest number of crosswalk pedestrian deaths in the state.
Orange County
The coastal California county that tracked 89 pedestrian fatalities at crosswalks during the study period.
San Diego County
The Southern California county that recorded 86 crosswalk pedestrian deaths between 2019 and 2024.
The details
Researchers reviewed six years of federal traffic reports to determine the most hazardous crossing points in the region. The data highlights a significant concentration of pedestrian fatalities occurring within marked crosswalks, reflecting the ongoing safety challenges faced by pedestrians navigating busy Southern California thoroughfares.
Timeline
2019-2024: Study period for federal traffic fatality reports.
The Home Front
This analysis draws from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System to highlight localized risks within the California road network. It underscores the critical need for regional safety planning as crosswalk fatality rates remain a significant concern for families statewide.
Drivers and pedestrians should exercise heightened caution when navigating these high-risk Southern California intersections. Families should also verify the safety features of their local walking routes to school or transit stops.
The takeaway
Being aware of high-fatality zones can help you plan safer routes for your daily family commute. Residents are encouraged to report visibility concerns or crosswalk maintenance issues to their local public works department to help improve safety.
Further reading
Learn more about local traffic safety patterns in our Car Types section.
Live Poll
Is road and crosswalk safety getting better or worse in your local community?
