The four most dangerous cities in California for pedestrians are Bakersfield, Stockton, Fresno, and the Riverside–San Bernardino area. The answer matters if you walk, commute, or live in an urban area where traffic moves fast, and foot traffic stays high.
In California, pedestrian crashes happen most often in large cities with dense populations, busy intersections, and roads designed around cars.
Our Los Angeles pedestrian accident lawyers have the information you need to know about where pedestrian crashes happen most, why these areas are risky, and what practical steps can help reduce harm after an accident.
Four California Cities Ranked Highest in Pedestrian Accidents and Deaths
Pedestrian safety remains a growing concern across California’s largest cities. Recent national data shows that serious injuries and deaths involving people on foot continue to rise, especially in dense urban areas.
Findings From the “Dangerous by Design” Report
In July 2022, Smart Growth America released its national report, Dangerous by Design, which examined pedestrian accidents and deaths across major U.S. metro areas. Four California cities ranked within the top 20 most dangerous urban areas for pedestrians.
The report noted that pedestrian safety in these cities has not improved over time, despite increased awareness of the issue.
Why Pedestrian Risks Remain High
The report points to poor urban planning as a major factor. Many California cities were redesigned to handle growing vehicle traffic, often prioritizing cars over walkable sidewalks and other safety measures.
Wider roads, longer distances between crosswalks, and higher speed limits increase the risk of car crashes involving pedestrians.
Disproportionate Impact on Certain Communities
Smart Growth America also found that pedestrian danger is not evenly distributed. Black and Native American communities face a higher risk of serious injury or death.
These groups are more likely to live in low‑income neighborhoods with limited sidewalks, fewer safe crossings, and outdated street design, which increases exposure to traffic hazards.
A Growing and Ongoing Problem
Pedestrian deaths continue to rise. In 2021, 7,485 pedestrians were killed by motor vehicles nationwide, representing an 11–13% increase from the previous year.
The report emphasized that pedestrian fatalities increased even during periods of reduced driving, pointing to unsafe street design rather than traffic volume alone.
California’s National Standing
To make matters worse, every city ranked in the top nine in 2022 exceeded the pedestrian death rates of the worst‑ranked city from five years earlier.
Two of those cities are in California, placing the state ninth nationwide for pedestrian danger, behind Nevada, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
In California, Which City is the Most Dangerous Place for Pedestrians?
Bakersfield is the most dangerous city in California for pedestrians. Smart Growth America reports that the city currently has the 4th highest rate of pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people nationwide, sitting at a staggering 3.99.
This figure surpasses the number that the #1 worst city for pedestrians held five years ago. Considering this, it has become all the more evident that the issue regarding pedestrian-related deaths has gone dire.
The city’s local publication has claimed that Bakersfield is making an active effort to improve pedestrian casualties, but as the non-profit organization reported, changes need to be made to the road design itself for significant improvements to be made.
(310) 526-8383Other Dangerous Cities in California for Pedestrians
Three other California cities have landed themselves among the list of the top 20 most dangerous cities for pedestrians, namely Stockton, Fresno, and Riverside:
Fresno
According to the non-profit’s report, Fresno is currently heralded as the seventh-worst city in the United States for pedestrians and the second-worst in California. It currently has a rate of pedestrian-related deaths of 3.89 per 100,000 people.
Riverside-San Bernardino
Joining the likes of Bakersfield, Stockton, and Fresno, the Riverside-San Bernardino area is placed fourth among the most dangerous cities in California for pedestrians.
It’s placed as number twelve nationally, sitting at a pedestrian-related death rate of 3.46 per 100,000 people. There were 797 pedestrian fatalities during the study’s three-year time frame from 2018 to 2022.
Stockton
Stockton placed number nineteen among the worst cities in the United States for pedestrians, according to Smart Growth America.
The city currently has pedestrian-related fatalities at the rate of 3.23 per 100,000 people, making it the fourth-worst city for pedestrians in California behind Riverside- San Bernardino. Pedestrian deaths during the study totaled 126 people.
Causes of Pedestrian Accidents
Pedestrian accidents often happen because streets are designed for cars rather than people on foot. Wide roads, long distances between crosswalks, and high speed limits reduce driver reaction time and make for dangerous roads.
Driver Behavior
Driver behavior also plays a major role. Speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield at crosswalks are common factors. Impaired driving increases the risk even further, especially at night. Pedestrians and drivers may also fail to obey traffic signals.
Visibility
Poor visibility contributes as well. Inadequate street lighting, faded crosswalk markings, and blocked sightlines make it harder for drivers to see pedestrians in time. Reflective clothing or light colored clothing for pedestrians can help prevent these accidents.
Traffic
Traffic volume adds another layer of risk. Busy intersections and multi‑lane roads create more opportunities for car accidents involving people on foot.
Weather and road conditions can also contribute. Rain, glare, or uneven pavement may reduce traction and visibility, increasing the chance of a serious pedestrian accident.
Contact a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Pedestrians are among the most vulnerable road users in California, especially in cities with heavy traffic and streets designed around vehicles. When a crash happens, injured Californians often face serious challenges that can last long after the accident itself.
Medical bills, time away from work, and ongoing treatment add stress during an already difficult period. Many pedestrian accidents stem from driver negligence.
Speaking with a Los Angeles personal injury lawyer from Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys can help clarify what options are available and whether compensation may apply.
A legal consultation offers a chance to ask questions, understand the claims process, and protect your rights before deadlines pass. If you were hit by a car as a pedestrian, reaching out for guidance can be an important step toward recovery.
