While the busiest roads in Los Angeles include I–405, I–10, US–101, CA–60, and Sepulveda Boulevard, the worst times to drive are either during morning and evening rush hours, on the weekends, or in the middle of major events.
This is when the amount of heavy congestion, stop-and-go traffic, and frustrated drivers is greater than ever. Together, these factors all contribute to an increased risk of collisions. If you were hurt in a crash for any of these reasons, contact a car accident lawyer in Los Angeles.
High-Traffic Los Angeles Roads and Where Accidents Happen Often
Because Los Angeles traffic is notoriously dense and the roadways are known for fast-moving vehicles, certain local highways see a disproportionate number of serious accidents year after year. Let’s take a look at examples of the busiest roads in the area and the worst times to drive on them.
I-405: The San Diego Freeway
The I-405 is a very congested freeway in Los Angeles, particularly the stretch from the 101 Freeway in the San Fernando Valley and the 10 Freeway in the western area of Los Angeles, where stop-and-go traffic is common during peak commuting hours.
Traffic is heaviest in the morning between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. and again in the evening from approximately 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The constant braking and sudden slowdowns on the I-405 frequently lead to rear-end collisions, while aggressive lane changes contribute to sideswipe crashes and heightened road rage incidents among frustrated drivers.
I-10: The Santa Monica or San Bernardino Freeway
The I-10 Freeway serves as a major east-west corridor connecting coastal Los Angeles with the Inland Empire, making it a heavily traveled route for daily commuters. Peak congestion typically occurs between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. in the morning and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
In the evening. Sudden braking, frequent merging from numerous on-ramps and off-ramps, and distracted driving during slow-moving traffic all contribute to a high risk of collisions on this freeway.
US-101: The Hollywood or Ventura Freeway
US-101 stretches throughout the downtown area of LA and the San Fernando Valley, creating a mix of commuter traffic and tourist activity that increases the likelihood of accidents.
Traffic congestion is rather severe between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. in the morning and from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the evening.
Accidents on the 101 often occur near congested interchanges such as I-110 and I-405, while sightseeing distractions in Hollywood and heavy rush-hour traffic frequently result in fender-benders.
CA-60: The Pomona Freeway
The CA-60 Freeway is a major route linking downtown Los Angeles to the Inland Empire and is heavily traveled by commercial trucks.
Traffic congestion is incredibly pronounced between 7:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. during the morning commute and again from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the evening.
Blind-spot collisions involving large trucks, intense merging by the 605 interchange, and fatigue-related accidents during nighttime hours make this freeway particularly hazardous.
Sepulveda Boulevard
Sepulveda Boulevard is often used as an alternative to freeway travel, but it can become just as congested, especially near LAX and West Los Angeles. Traffic volumes peak between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. in the morning and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the evening.
The combination of pedestrian-heavy areas, frequent traffic lights, sudden stops at crosswalks, and dense vehicle flow leads to a high number of minor collisions along this corridor.
The Worst Times to Drive on the Busiest Roads in Los Angeles
Certain times of day and week consistently present higher accident risks due to increased traffic volume and congestion. The rush hour periods in the morning, between 6:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., and in the evening, from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., are particularly dangerous for drivers.
Traffic also intensifies on Fridays after 2:00 p.m. as weekend travel begins, as well as on weekends near popular tourist destinations such as Griffith Park and Hollywood.
When you’re on the busiest roads in Los Angeles, the worst times to drive are on holidays and during major events, including concerts, sporting events, and awards shows. These often cause sudden spikes in congestion, making awareness of these patterns essential for safer travel.
(310) 526-8383Why Legal Guidance Matters After an Accident Along a Busy Road
Despite careful driving, accidents occur on LA’s busiest roads. When another driver’s negligence leads to injury, victims may face medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Consulting with a Los Angeles car accident attorney or personal injury lawyer for car accidents ensures victims understand potential claims and available remedies. At Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys, we’re here for you.
Founded in 2016, we have over fourteen offices in California. With decades of experience and an emphasis on putting our clients first, always, victims can pursue compensation for injuries sustained in crashes on freeways, along surface streets, or while riding in a rideshare vehicle.
If You Were Hurt in a Crash in Los Angeles, Contact Us For Legal Representation
It’s no secret that Los Angeles is home to some of the busiest roads, and certain times of day are better than others when it comes to congestion. However, no matter how much effort you put into avoiding crowded roadways, you might still find yourself in stop-and-go traffic.
More cars on the road will often coincide with an increased risk of collisions, and unfortunately, even if you avoid Los Angeles’ busiest roads during the worst times to drive, you can still get hurt in a car crash. If that happens to you, call Omega Law Group.
Founded in 2016, our law firm has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our victims. With decades of experience between us, you can count on our attorneys to fight for your rights and pursue a fair outcome in your case.
