Walking should be one of the safest and healthiest ways to get around, but in California, pedestrian accidents are an unfortunate reality. As a law firm that represents injury victims across the state, we’ve seen how dangerous certain areas can be for people simply trying to cross the street.
Drawing on state data, news reports, and our own experience helping clients, we’ve ranked several California cities based on pedestrian safety. This is an opinion-based ranking designed to highlight where residents and visitors face the greatest risks, and what can be done to improve safety.
1. Los Angeles – High Traffic, High Risk
Los Angeles tops our list due to its massive population, heavy congestion, and sprawling roadways. Busy intersections, distracted driving, and limited pedestrian-friendly infrastructure create a dangerous environment for those on foot.
2. San Francisco – Dense Streets and Heavy Foot Traffic
San Francisco is known for its walkability, but its narrow, hilly streets and frequent tourist activity increase the risk of collisions. Areas like Market Street and Union Square see higher accident rates.
3. San Diego – Tourist Zones and Beach Traffic
While San Diego has beautiful walkways and coastal attractions, areas near the Gaslamp Quarter and beach communities can be risky. Visitors unfamiliar with traffic patterns contribute to higher incident numbers.
4. Sacramento – Busy Downtown Intersections
The state capital has seen an increase in pedestrian-involved crashes in recent years. High-speed traffic in combination with older road layouts has created challenges for pedestrian safety.
5. Fresno – Wide Roads, Limited Crosswalks
Fresno ranks high due to its broad roadways and fewer pedestrian-friendly crosswalks. Speeding is a common issue, especially in areas without adequate traffic calming measures.
6. Bakersfield – Growing Population, Limited Infrastructure
As Bakersfield expands, its infrastructure has struggled to keep up. Many high-traffic corridors lack pedestrian-friendly features, leading to an increase in pedestrian injuries.
7. Oakland – Congested Roads and Public Transit Interactions
Oakland’s busy streets and high pedestrian activity contribute to frequent accidents. Interactions between vehicles, buses, and bicyclists create additional risks for pedestrians.
What This Means for California Residents
While every city faces unique traffic challenges, pedestrians should remain vigilant, use crosswalks when available, and avoid distractions while walking near busy intersections. Drivers, too, must do their part by avoiding speeding, yielding to crosswalks, and avoiding phone use behind the wheel.
At Hillstone Law, we’ve seen how devastating pedestrian accidents can be. We fight for the rights of victims and their families to ensure they receive the support and compensation they deserve.
Call Hillstone Law today at (855) 691-1691 for a free case evaluation.
Disclaimer: This ranking is based on opinion informed by publicly available data and our professional experience. It does not guarantee outcomes and should not be taken as legal advice.
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.
