Los Angeles is among the least safe cities for drivers, as per a recent study published by MarketWatch.
The study considered factors such as fatal crashes, DUI arrests, and vehicle thefts to gauge the overall risk on the road. Data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration indicated that Los Angeles had 315 fatal crashes in 2021, second only to Houston, which reported 322 fatal crashes.
Most deadly crashes occur within cities rather than on highways or interstates, putting sprawling cities like Los Angeles at higher risk due to more intersections and bottlenecks. Moreover, Los Angeles stands as the city with the highest rate of DUI arrests in the country, a statistic confirmed using FBI arrest data.
Long commutes and a car-centric infrastructure contribute to these issues, resulting in residents driving approximately 16,000 miles per year on average. This car-dependent lifestyle also leads to higher car insurance bills for Angelenos compared to residents in other cities.
To improve safety while driving in Los Angeles, MarketWatch recommends learning about public transportation options, maintaining vehicle health, and ensuring adequate car insurance coverage. Despite the results, it’s important to note that many cities fare well in terms of driver safety, with Washington D.C., Chicago, and Providence, Rhode Island noted for their safer road conditions.