Los Angeles County is a rider’s paradise with scenic routes, coastal highways, and mountain passes but it’s also one of the most dangerous places in the country for motorcyclists. High traffic volumes, unpredictable drivers, and tricky road conditions make certain stretches especially risky. Here are the 10 most dangerous roads for motorcyclists in Los Angeles County.
1. Pacific Coast Highway (PCH / SR-1)
Scenic but deadly, the PCH has sharp curves, distracted tourists, and frequent fog along the coast. Motorcycle crashes here are common.
Source: https://www.visitcalifornia.com/
2. Mulholland Drive (“The Snake”)
This winding canyon road is popular with riders, but its hairpin turns and steep drop-offs make it especially hazardous.
Source: https://dot.ca.gov/
3. Topanga Canyon Boulevard (SR-27)
Narrow lanes, blind curves, and heavy weekend traffic create major risks for riders heading from the Valley to the beach.
4. Angeles Crest Highway (SR-2)
A favorite among motorcyclists for mountain riding, SR-2 has high elevations, sharp curves, and frequent weather hazards.
Source: https://roads.dot.ca.gov/
5. Sepulveda Pass (I-405)
One of LA’s busiest freeway stretches, the 405 through the Sepulveda Pass combines constant congestion with aggressive drivers.
6. Coldwater Canyon Avenue
Connecting Beverly Hills and Studio City, this road’s winding curves and impatient commuter traffic make it a frequent crash location.
7. San Gabriel Canyon Road (SR-39)
Known for beautiful rides, SR-39 is also notorious for crashes due to speed, steep grades, and sharp mountain curves.
8. Sunset Boulevard
Heavy nightlife traffic, pedestrians, and sudden lane changes create a high risk of motorcycle accidents on Sunset Blvd.
9. Laurel Canyon Boulevard
Steep, narrow, and heavily traveled, Laurel Canyon’s curves often lead to motorcycle wipeouts, especially at night.
10. Interstate 10 (Santa Monica Freeway)
While not a scenic ride, the I-10 is one of the busiest highways in LA. Lane splitting in gridlock traffic puts riders at constant risk.
Source: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles
Staying Safe on LA’s Roads
Motorcyclists can reduce their risk by:
- Wearing protective gear and a DOT-approved helmet.
- Avoiding excessive speeds on canyon roads.
- Staying visible in heavy traffic.
- Avoiding riding at night on poorly lit stretches.
At Hillstone Law, we understand the dangers riders face on LA’s streets and highways. If you’ve been in a motorcycle crash, our attorneys will fight for your right to compensation.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
