Why Police Are Focusing on These LA Intersections as Serious Crashes Continue to Rise

Los Angeles police are increasing enforcement at some of the city’s most dangerous intersections as the number of serious traffic crashes continues to climb. Officials say distracted driving, along with the growing use of e-bikes and e-scooters, is contributing to a rise in collisions that result in severe injuries or deaths.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, traffic safety data so far this year shows an upward trend that has prompted targeted enforcement efforts across several high-risk areas of the city.

Rising Crashes

LAPD reports that 750 traffic crashes in Los Angeles have resulted in a serious injury or death so far this year. That represents a 5 percent increase compared with the same period last year.

Police say many of these crashes involve behaviors that are preventable, including distracted driving, speeding, and failure to obey traffic signals. Officers note that violations such as running red lights or rolling through stop signs are frequently observed during patrols.

Distracted Driving Focus

ABC7 On Your Side Investigates accompanied LAPD motor officers during a recent enforcement operation aimed at distracted drivers. Sgt. Ryan Klepper, who supervises motor officers, said identifying dangerous behavior often happens quickly.

Officers are trained to watch for actions that are known to cause serious injuries, including drivers who are using phones or failing to stop at traffic lights.

E-Bikes and E-Scooters

Police also point to an increase in crashes involving e-bikes and e-scooters. LAPD says there have already been 54 crashes this year involving a vehicle and an e-bike.

Officers warn that illegal riding on sidewalks has created additional risks for pedestrians. Sgt. Klepper said there has been at least one fatal incident involving an e-scooter and a pedestrian on a sidewalk.

Captain Anthony Espinoza of the LAPD West Traffic Division said younger riders often lack basic knowledge of traffic laws.

Many e-scooter riders do not have driver’s licenses and have not received formal road safety training, Espinoza said. As a result, officers frequently see riders ignoring stop signs and traffic signals.

Targeted Intersections

To address the trend, LAPD is focusing enforcement on intersections with the highest number of crashes. Officers will increase patrols and traffic stops in these areas in an effort to reduce dangerous behavior.

The intersections with the most reported crashes so far in 2026 are:

Intersection	Location	Crashes in 2026
Figueroa Street and 7th Street	Downtown Los Angeles	11
Highland Avenue and Pat Moore Way	Near Hollywood Bowl	6
Century Boulevard and Main Street	South Los Angeles	5
Sherman Way and 170 Freeway entrance	San Fernando Valley	5

Police say these locations will see increased enforcement in the coming months.

Enforcement Strategy

LAPD officials say the goal of targeted enforcement is not only issuing citations but also preventing serious injuries and deaths. Officers are prioritizing violations that have historically led to severe crashes, including red-light violations, speeding, and distracted driving.

Police are also reminding e-bike and e-scooter riders that traffic laws apply to them as well, including stopping at red lights and avoiding sidewalks where riding is prohibited.

What Drivers should Expect

Drivers can expect to see more motor officers and patrol units at or near high-risk intersections. Police say visibility and consistent enforcement are key tools in encouraging safer driving behavior.

Officials continue to urge all road users, including drivers, cyclists, and scooter riders, to stay alert and follow traffic laws as the city works to address the increase in serious crashes.

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