A new national traffic safety study has identified several California highways as some of the deadliest in the United States, including one that tops the list with more fatal crashes than any other roadway in the country.
The analysis, conducted by Texas-based firm Angel Reyes & Associates, examined data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System. Researchers reviewed three years of fatal crash data to determine which highways pose the greatest danger to drivers.
California Dominates the Top 10 Deadliest Highways
The findings reveal that three California highways are ranked in the top 10 most dangerous in the U.S., including the No. 1 spot.
1. Interstate 15 — San Bernardino County (80 Fatal Crashes)
The I-15, which links San Diego to the Nevada border, experienced 80 fatal crashes over three years — more than any other roadway in America.
Transportation experts point to:
- Long desert stretches
- High speed limits
- Heavy weekend travel to Las Vegas
The combination makes San Bernardino County’s portion of I-15 particularly hazardous.
2. Interstate 10 — Maricopa County, Arizona (57 Fatal Crashes)
Ranked No. 2, this urban stretch of I-10 cuts directly through Phoenix, mixing commuter traffic, long-haul trucking, and dense metro-area congestion.
3. Interstate 10 — Riverside County, California (54 Fatal Crashes)
Coming in at No. 3, Riverside County’s portion of I-10 connects Los Angeles to Palm Springs. High speeds, heavy freight traffic, and constant lane changes contribute to its danger.
4. Interstate 94 — Cook County, Illinois (52 Fatal Crashes)
This Chicago-area artery is infamous for congestion, winter weather, and complex merging areas, all of which elevate crash risk.
5. Interstate 40 — Bernalillo County, New Mexico (48 Fatal Collisions)
Stretching through Albuquerque’s high-desert terrain, I-40’s long hauls and common speeding violations create a risky environment for drivers and truckers.
The Bigger Picture: Roadway Deaths Continue to Rise
NHTSA data shows that more than 38,000 people die on U.S. roads each year, with speeding, fatigue, and distracted driving still among the leading contributors.
For additional highway safety resources and crash statistics, visit the U.S. Department of Transportation.
How the Study Was Conducted
Researchers mapped every fatal crash from the NHTSA’s FARS database to its corresponding U.S. highway, interstate, or state route. The final rankings reflect the specific county-level stretches that recorded the highest number of fatal collisions during the last three years.
The report serves as a reminder for drivers to remain alert—especially on long-distance routes where traffic speed, weather conditions, and road fatigue can amplify risk.
