Where and When Do Motorcycle Accidents Occur? A Guide for Southern California Riders

Every year, motorcycle accidents claim thousands of lives across the United States. In 2023, motorcycle fatalities reached their highest level since federal record keeping began in 1975, with 6,335 motorcyclists killed nationwide¹. Here in Southern California, these aren’t just numbers – they represent real people who were simply trying to enjoy the freedom of the open road.

California recorded 634 motorcycle fatalities in 2022, a 3.8% increase from the previous year². For riders in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Ventura counties, understanding when and where accidents happen most often can make the difference between a safe ride home and becoming another statistic.

Where Motorcycle Accidents Happen Most Often

The Most Dangerous Areas in Southern California

Los Angeles County tops the list as the most dangerous place to ride a motorcycle in California. In 2021 alone, LA County saw 2,803 motorcycle accidents, resulting in 133 deaths and over 3,000 injuries³. That’s nearly one out of every four motorcycle accidents that happen anywhere in the state.

San Diego County comes in second, with 128 fatal crashes between 2021 and 2023³. San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange counties round out the top five most dangerous areas for motorcyclists.

Here’s something that might surprise you: most fatal motorcycle crashes don’t happen on remote mountain roads or winding country lanes. Instead, 74% of deadly motorcycle accidents occur in urban areas³. The reason is simple – more traffic means more opportunities for things to go wrong. In these busy areas, 73% of motorcycle accidents happen at intersections³, often when cars make left turns without seeing an approaching motorcycle.

Southern California’s Most Dangerous Roads

Some roads in Southern California have earned deadly reputations among riders. Angeles Crest Highway stands out as one of the most dangerous, with 164 motorcycle accidents recorded on just a 38-mile stretch over two years. The highway’s blind corners, steep drops, and dramatic elevation changes make it a challenge even for experienced riders.

Pacific Coast Highway through Malibu saw 367 crashes in 2022, with 14 people losing their lives. The scenic ocean views, tourist traffic, and winding curves create a perfect storm of danger. More than 80% of PCH accidents result in injuries.

Mulholland Highway’s “Snake” section – a 2.4-mile stretch between Malibu and Calabasas – has become notorious for motorcycle crashes. The twisting road attracts riders looking for thrills but also claims far too many lives.

On the freeway system, Interstate 5 claimed 128 lives in 2022, making it California’s deadliest highway. Even the heavily traveled I-405 recorded multiple fatalities on just a short 5.76-mile segment.

Why These Areas Are So Dangerous

Different types of roads present different risks. Principal arterials account for 29% of fatal crashes, followed by minor arterials at 22%. This might seem surprising – many people assume freeways are the most dangerous. But arterial roads have frequent stops, cross-traffic, and left-turn conflicts that create more opportunities for deadly collisions.

Southern California’s unique environment also plays a role. Coastal areas can suddenly be hit with fog that reduces visibility to almost zero. Mountain roads experience rapid weather changes and strong winds. Ironically, 97% of motorcycle fatalities occur during clear or cloudy conditions – partly because nice weather encourages more people to ride, increasing everyone’s exposure to risk.

When Motorcycle Accidents Are Most Likely to Happen

The Most Dangerous Hours

If you remember nothing else from this article, remember this: the most dangerous time to ride is between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., when 46% of all motorcycle fatalities occur³. This afternoon period is especially deadly because it combines heavy traffic, tired drivers, sun glare, and riders heading home from work or out for evening rides.

The danger extends well into the evening, with 75% of motorcycle fatalities happening between 3 p.m. and midnight³. The 6-9 p.m. window was the deadliest time slot in 2022. Morning rush hours, while busy, are significantly safer than evening hours.

Weekends Are Especially Risky

Weekend riding is much more dangerous than weekday commuting. **Nearly half of all motorcycle fatalities (46%) occur between Friday 6 p.m. and Monday 6 a.m.**³ Sunday afternoons between 3-6 p.m. represent the single most dangerous time for motorcyclists.

While 70% of accidents happen on weekdays simply because more people are commuting, weekend crashes tend to be more severe and more likely to be fatal.

Summer Months Bring Higher Risk

60% of motorcycle deaths happen between May and September, with June being the deadliest month³. This makes sense – Southern California’s perfect weather draws more riders out, vacation traffic increases, and people are more likely to take long recreational rides.

January sees the fewest fatalities, though our year-round riding weather means even winter months see significant accident activity. Major holidays are particularly dangerous, with July 4th consistently ranking as one of the deadliest days for motorcyclists nationwide¹.

What Causes These Accidents?

Major factors include improper turning (21.3% of serious crashes) and right-of-way violations (17.2%)³.

The Problem of Being Seen – Drivers Not Trained to Share the Roadway

Many accidents happen simply because drivers don’t see motorcycles. Auto drivers often are not trained well in how to share the road with two wheeled vehicles. Many think that motorcycles are violating the law when they split lanes which is an incorrect assumption. The concept of sharing the road has not yet firmly taken a hold for many drivers. Caution needs to be exercised accordingly.

How to Stay Safer on Southern California Roads

Choose Your Timing Wisely

To stay safe when riding in traffic you should avoid the most dangerous hours when possible, especially that 3-7 p.m. window on weekends. If you must ride during high-risk times, increase your following distance, wear high-visibility gear, and assume that other drivers can’t see you.

To reduce risk in traffic you need to first understand that certain times and places dramatically increase your chances of being in an accident. Get proper training through programs like the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Develop extra awareness during afternoon hours when sun glare and driver fatigue create the most dangerous conditions.

Adjust Your Riding for Different Roads

On canyon roads like Angeles Crest or Mulholland, slow down before curves, not during them. Watch for gravel, debris, or oil that can cause you to lose traction. On busy arterial roads, position yourself in the left or right third of your lane to maximize your visibility and give yourself escape routes.

When riding on freeways, maintain a 3-4 second following distance, stay out of other drivers’ blind spots, and use your lane position to create space cushions around you.

Make Yourself Visible

Wear bright, reflective gear, especially during those dangerous afternoon and evening hours. Always use your headlight – not just when it’s dark. Position yourself where other drivers are most likely to see you and never assume that just because you can see them, they can see you.

The Bottom Line

The statistics are clear: motorcycle accidents in Southern California happen most often in urban areas during afternoon and evening hours, particularly on weekends during the summer months. Los Angeles County sees the most accidents overall, while certain roads like Angeles Crest Highway and PCH have earned reputations as especially dangerous.

But here’s the important part – understanding these patterns gives you the power to make smarter choices. You can choose safer routes and times to ride. You can be extra cautious during high-risk periods. You can make sure you’re properly trained and licensed.

Remember, as a motorcyclist, you’re 28 times more likely to die in a crash than someone in a car¹. That’s not meant to scare you away from riding – it’s meant to remind you that every safety decision you make matters more than you might think. Knowledge of when and where accidents happen most often isn’t just interesting information – it could save your life on your next ride through Southern California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: When is the most dangerous time to ride my motorcycle in Southern California?
Answer: Crash data shows 3 – 7 p.m.—especially Friday evening through Sunday night—is the deadliest window. Nearly half of all fatal wrecks happen then, so try to ride earlier or later and add extra space and visibility if you can’t.

Question: Which Southern California roads should I avoid or use extra caution on?
Answer: Angeles Crest Highway, Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, Mulholland Highway’s “Snake,” and crowded freeways like I-5 and I-405 see the most serious crashes. If you must use them, slow down, leave more distance, and watch blind corners.

Question: How do I make sure drivers actually see me?
Answer: Wear bright or reflective gear, keep your headlight on day and night, stay out of blind spots, and ride in the left or right third of your lane so you sit in drivers’ direct line of sight.

Question: What should I do right after a motorcycle accident?
Answer: Call 911, get medical care even for minor pain, snap photos, collect witness names, avoid admitting fault, and speak with a motorcycle-savvy attorney before talking to insurance.

When an Accident Happens, You Need an Equalizer in Your Corner

Despite your best efforts to ride safely, sometimes accidents happen due to no fault of your own. When they do, you’re suddenly facing a system that can feel rigged against you – insurance companies with teams of lawyers, medical bills piling up, and pressure to accept settlements that don’t cover your true damages.

At Ellis Riccobono, LLP, we understand that motorcycle accident victims often face an uphill battle. Insurance companies know that motorcyclists are frequently blamed for accidents, regardless of the actual facts. They count on this bias to pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.

That’s where we come in as your great equalizer. Every day, we take on cases against those who commit wrongs and those who back the wrongdoers – and we win. We approach each motorcycle accident case with the skill, resources, commitment, compassion and empathy that set us apart from firms where you’re simply just another case number.

Our track record speaks for itself. The awards we’ve won for our clients have resulted in our attorneys gaining recognition throughout the legal community. Our expertise is so respected that we’ve had articles published in legal publications and have been invited to lecture at conferences where other lawyers come to learn from us.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Southern California, don’t face the insurance companies alone. You deserve representation that understands the unique challenges motorcycle accident victims face and has the proven ability to fight for the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Call Ellis Riccobono, LLP today at (424) 901-1202 for a free consultation. We promote universal access to justice for all – and that includes you.