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TRAFFIC SAFETY - Study Identifies Top 10 California Counties with Highest Pedestrian Accidents
- Colusa County leads California with 27.62 pedestrian accidents per 100,000
- residents in 2022, over four times the statewide average of 6.09.
- The top 10 most dangerous counties reported at least 51.7% more incidents per 100,000 residents than the statewide average.
- Six counties—including Alpine, Amador, and Modoc—reported zero pedestrian fatalities or injuries in 2022.
A new study reveals Colusa County has the highest pedestrian accidents in California.
The research by California-based personal injury lawyers J&Y Law, analyzed 2022 pedestrian accident data from the California Department of Transportation for the state's 58 most populous counties. By comparing the total number of incidents to each county's population, the research identified the most dangerous counties for pedestrians.
Dangerous counties for pedestrians
Colusa takes the top spot as the most dangerous county for pedestrians with 27.62 accidents per 100,000 residents – over four times the statewide average of 6.09. A total of six accidents in 2022 resulted in one fatality and five injuries on conventional roads.
Inyo County follows in second place with 21.15 accidents per 100,000 residents, which is well over three times the statewide average. Out of four total accidents, the county saw one fatality and three injuries on conventional roads.
Del Norte County ranks third with 18.53 accidents per 100,000 residents. This is over three times the statewide average of 6.09. While there were no fatalities out of five total accidents in 2022, the county reported five injuries on expressway and conventional roads combined.
Lake County stands fourth with 16.27 accidents per 100,000 residents – 167% higher than the statewide average of 6.09. The county recorded 11 total accidents, which included three fatalities and eight injuries on expressway, freeway, and conventional roads combined.
Humboldt County ranks fifth with 11.93 accidents per 100,000 residents – almost twice the statewide average. Out of 16 total accidents in 2022, the county faced five fatalities and 11 injuries on expressway, freeway, one-way city streets, and conventional roads combined.
“The study reveals a trend where the top counties are mostly rural. In rural counties like Colusa and Inyo, low population densities often mean fewer resources are allocated for infrastructure improvements and surveillance. Roads are frequently designed for vehicles rather than pedestrians, with fewer crosswalks and reduced visibility due to narrow or winding paths.
Additionally, rural roadways can encourage speeding, as drivers encounter less congestion. Combined with factors such as poor lighting and the unexpected presence of pedestrians, the risk of accidents increases significantly.
The California government needs to make the necessary investments to save lives and ensure safety of pedestrians.”
Table of Extended Results
Safest counties for pedestrians
Alpine, Amador, Mariposa, Modoc, Mono, and Sierra are the safest California counties for pedestrians, reporting zero pedestrian fatality or injury in 2022.
Contra Costa and San Francisco follow closely with 1.91 and 2.02 pedestrian accidents per 100,000 residents – well below the statewide average of 6.09. Out of 22 pedestrian accidents, Contra Costa experienced five fatalities and 17 injuries. On the other hand, San Francisco reported a total of 17 pedestrian accidents, which resulted in two fatalities and 15 injuries.
Sacramento and Santa Clara round out the top 10 safest counties for pedestrians with 2.42 and 2.64 pedestrian accidents per 100,000 residents respectively. Sacramento reported a total of 38 incidents, which resulted in 17 fatalities and 21 injuries. Out of 50 incidents reported by Santa Clara, 16 were fatal and 34 victims sustained injuries.
The study was conducted by J & Y Law, an experienced personal injury law firm dedicated to personal injury cases — including serious injuries and wrongful death — and committed to protecting clients' rights and maximizing claim value.
(This study was conducted by www.jnylaw.com.)
