As the city of Riverside continues to grow, so does the inevitable addition of more traffic. With a population of over 300,000 people, many of whom are on the road every day, Riverside tends to report a significant number of fatal and injury-related crashes annually. By understanding the most recent Riverside car accident statistics, residents and officials can work to improve safety on the roads. If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash, consulting a Riverside car accident lawyer can provide valuable guidance and support during this challenging time.
Key Riverside Car Accident Statistics for 2024
California car accident laws & statistics can provide key insights into the causes of serious accidents in this city and the general state of local traffic safety. As car accidents can result in serious damages, including property damage, medical bills, and lost income, it is critical to understand the general traffic situation in the area so that drivers can stay vigilant and work to prevent accidents. The Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) released statistics by crash category, including the following:
- Total fatal and injury crashes: In 2021, there were 1,802 crashes that led to injuries or fatalities. The OTS ranks Riverside 7 out of 15 cities of similar size based on these traffic-related accident incidences.
- Severe accidents related to alcohol: In 2021, there were 174 accidents in Riverside caused by drivers under the influence of alcohol, placing the city at 6 out of 15. Drinking and driving continues to persist as a severe challenge for the city, causing a large amount of injury and fatal crashes in Riverside.
- Drunk drivers under 21: OTS figures show that 15 accidents were caused by drivers under the age of 21 who were under the influence of alcohol, ranking the city at 6 out of 15. These numbers demonstrate the need to continue to enforce education and penalties regarding these behaviors to combat the prevalence of young drunk drivers on the roads.
While there are several traffic incidents, the total number of fatal accidents still raises concerns. There is a duty and responsibility of care that is extended from every driver to those that share the road. When that duty of care is breached resulting in an accident, the outcome can be detrimental.
Causes of Fatal Accidents
Fatal car accidents can leave families devastated and searching for answers. Too often, these accidents can be avoided by adhering to the safety of the road for which each driver is responsible. Unfortunately, not all drivers adhere to those safety standards, which may lead to accidents that can permanently change the future of individuals and families. Common causes of fatal car accidents include:
- Alcohol-related accidents: Drivers who choose to ingest controlled substances or alcohol and operate a vehicle are putting their lives at risk. They are unable to react to changing road conditions or often fail to comprehend what is currently happening on the road. Impaired driving because of alcohol, drugs, or even prescription medication is dangerous and often fatal for those involved. Impaired drivers, however, are often not the victims of the accident.
- Speed-related crashes: The posted speed limit on any roadway is the one deemed safe based on the amount of traffic using the roadway, the density of the population in the area, the composition of the roadway, and more. According to the most recent data, 274 fatal and injury crashes in Riverside were caused by drivers who were speeding, ranking the city at 5 out of 15 cities of a similar size.
- Road conditions: In 2021, there were 203 severe traffic crashes caused by nighttime driving. Weather conditions and lighting can dramatically change the way a driver operates a vehicle on the road. If a driver fails to maintain their vehicle properly, they could put others at risk in changing road conditions. Without proper tires, lights, or even windshield wipers, drivers are not able to safely navigate the roads.
- Distracted driving. There are continuously more ways to operate a vehicle while distracted. From handheld devices to eating while behind the wheel to improperly restraining children, drawing a driver’s attention away from the road seems easier and easier. When not paying attention to the road, drivers put themselves and others at risk.
These are just a few of the ways in which a driver could put others in danger of becoming a victim of a fatal car accident. There are many other conditions in which fatal accidents can occur. Whether you are the driver of a vehicle with the responsibility to do so safely or are a passenger in a vehicle with a driver exhibiting these behaviors, we all have a responsibility to keep one another safe and able to come home at the end of the day.
FAQs About Riverside, CA Car Accident Stats
What Causes Most Riverside Car Accidents?
Based on the most recent Riverside traffic accident data from the Office of Traffic Safety in California, car accidents that lead to injuries or deaths are commonly caused by drivers who are impaired by alcohol, speeding, or driving at night. Drivers who were speeding caused 274 severe crashes in 2021, while drivers who were under the influence of alcohol caused 174 serious accidents. Additionally, 203 severe crashes happened during the nighttime.
Is Riverside a Dangerous City for Drivers?
According to the latest Riverside traffic data from the California Office of Traffic Safety, Riverside ranks 7 out of 15 similar-sized cities for total fatal and injury accidents. In 2021, 1,802 severe traffic accidents occurred. While Riverside is not the most dangerous city in this population group, the number of accidents that are linked to alcohol, speeding, and driving at night demonstrates that Riverside could improve its traffic safety efforts.
Are There a Lot of Drunk Drivers in Riverside?
Unfortunately, Riverside continues to see many accidents related to drunk driving. According to the most recent data from the Office of Traffic Safety, in 2021, there were 174 alcohol-related accidents, placing Riverside at 6 out of 15 similar-sized cities in this category. Furthermore, there were 465 DUI arrests, showing that driving under the influence continues to be a significant challenge for the city.
Are Many People Killed in Riverside Car Accidents?
According to the most recent data from the Office of Traffic Safety, there were 1,802 fatal and injury crashes in 2021. These accidents included car drivers, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and other people on the road. While exact fatality figures aren’t provided, the high number of total severe accidents suggests fatal car accidents remain a serious concern for the city of Riverside. Efforts to reduce drunk driving, speeding, and nighttime driving could help address the issue.
Contact Riverside Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was involved in a Riverside car accident that resulted in injuries or even death, it is critical to secure skilled legal representation that can protect your rights and help you receive the compensation you are entitled to. An experienced Riverside personal injury lawyer from Karlin & Karlin can work closely with you to understand your case goals and details. Take the first strides towards post-accident recovery by contacting our office today.
