Riverside Car Accident Statistics
July 27, 2021 Posted In Car Accidents
Car accidents are among the leading causes of injury and death in California and throughout the United States. With Riverside being the most populous city of Southern California’s Inland Empire region, it is unfortunately home to hundreds of collisions every year.
Riverside Auto Accident Data
According to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for Riverside in 2018:
- There were 1,989 people either injured or killed in traffic accidents.
- Alcohol was a factor in car accidents that injured or killed 174 people.
- 85 people were injured or killed in accidents involving motorcycles.
- 100 victims were killed or injured in pedestrian accidents and 91 in bicycle accidents.
- Over 300 accidents resulting in an injury or death were caused by speeding.
- 165 injury or fatal crashes were caused by hit and run drivers.
In data for Riverside County from 2018:
- 15,359 victims were killed or injured in auto accidents.
- Alcohol was a factor in the death or injury of 1,794 of these victims.
- 3,592 of fatal or injury crashes were speed-related.
- 564 were injured or killed in pedestrian accidents, and 370 in bicycle accidents.
- Motorcycle accidents accounted for 875 injured or killed victims.
Traffic fatalities in California overall fell from 2018 to 2019 by 5.1%, from 3,798 to 3,606. The number of alcohol-impaired driving fatalities also decreased in the state, from 1,116 in 2018 to 1,066 in 2019. However, of all drivers killed in motor vehicle collisions in 2019, 50% of those tested, tested positive for legal and/or illegal drugs.
What Impacts Highway Safety?
Several factors impact highway safety and lead to a rise in motor vehicle accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
Population Growth
Riverside reached its highest population of 334,772 in 2021, with a population density of 4,120 people per square mile. More people mean more drivers and an increased chance of an accident.
Older Drivers
Older Americans are involved in 13 percent of fatal accidents in the U.S. The traffic fatality rate of drivers 65 and older is 17 times higher than that of drivers 25 to 65 years old.
Young Drivers
Approximately 43 million drivers in the U.S. are between 16 and 24. Young drivers tend to be more aggressive than older drivers and are more likely to speed or drive while intoxicated.
Commuting
Denser urban populations lead many to seek affordable housing elsewhere. Longer commutes mean a greater risk of traffic accidents.
Congestion
Riverside is among the top cities with the worst traffic congestion in the nation. Some drivers respond to traffic by being aggressive, changing lanes frequently, speeding, becoming angry at other drivers. These and other unsafe driving behaviors are major factors in traffic accidents.
Speak To an Experienced Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, contact Hanson & Mouri. Our Riverside Car Accident Attorney can discuss your legal options in a free consultation. Send us a message online or call (951) 688-0006 today.