A Snapshot of Car Accidents in Los Angeles
Los Angeles experienced a troubling milestone last year when traffic-related fatalities surpassed the city’s homicide count. In 2023, there were 345 deaths from vehicle incidents, outpacing the 327 murders recorded. This marked an alarming rise of over 50 traffic fatalities compared to figures from just two years prior.
Seasonal patterns further exacerbate the issue. Between 2018 and 2023, the October through December period consistently recorded the highest number of traffic-related deaths annually. The situation reached a concerning peak in the last quarter of 2023, with 103 traffic fatalities—averaging more than one death per day.
However, there has been a slight improvement. The third quarter of 2024, spanning July 1 to September 30, saw 71 traffic-related deaths, the lowest quarterly figure in the past two years.
National Trends in Traffic Fatalities
Los Angeles’ modest decline in traffic deaths aligns with a nationwide decrease. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 18,720 vehicle-related deaths in the first half of 2024, representing a 3.2% drop compared to the previous year.
Nevertheless, current figures remain higher than pre-pandemic levels. In the first half of 2019, the U.S. recorded 17,025 traffic deaths, while the same period in 2014 saw 15,035 fatalities.
Several factors contribute to the persistent rise in traffic-related injuries and deaths. Modern vehicles tend to be larger and heavier, increasing the severity of accidents. Additionally, inadequate street design and poor lighting in some neighborhoods pose significant risks.
Distracted driving also plays a critical role. Drivers are often preoccupied with their phones, and pedestrians are not immune to this issue. Many accidents involve individuals engrossed in their screens, oblivious to surrounding traffic. A recent study by the University of British Columbia highlights this danger, noting that distracted pedestrians are less aware of their environment, making fewer adjustments to their movements. This lack of attention increases the likelihood of serious accidents and near misses by 45%.
The Growing Threat to Pedestrians
As traffic fatalities rise overall, pedestrian deaths have also surged. In 2023, 185 pedestrians were killed in vehicle-related incidents, accounting for 54% of all such fatalities.
During the first nine months of 2024, 126 pedestrians lost their lives in collisions with vehicles. Although this figure is comparable to the same period last year, it represents a stark increase from 2019, when 97 pedestrian deaths were recorded in the same timeframe.
Downtown Los Angeles has emerged as the area with the highest number of fatal accidents, recording 27 vehicle-related deaths since the beginning of 2023. Sun Valley follows with 20 fatalities during the same period.
This analysis is based on publicly available data from the Los Angeles Police Department Traffic Division, covering incidents from January 1, 2010, through September 30, 2024. Additional data from LAPD Compstat reports and documents prepared for the Los Angeles Police Commission were also reviewed.
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It is important to note that LAPD data reflects only reported collisions, not the total number of incidents that actually occurred. The department may update or reclassify past reports, but these revisions are not always reflected in the publicly accessible database.
Los Angeles Crime Rankings
Based on data from Neighborhood Scout, Los Angeles ranks as safer than only 7% of cities across the U.S. The city’s violent crime rate stands at 8.38 incidents per 1,000 residents—markedly higher than California’s average of 4.99 per 1,000. Property crimes are even more prevalent, with a rate of 27.53 per 1,000 residents. On average, the city records around 32,000 violent crimes annually.
Safest Neighborhoods in Los Angeles:
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Bell Canyon
- Mulholland Park
- Deer Lake Highlands
- Castellammare
- Royal Oak
- Pacific Palisades Northwest
The odds of becoming a victim of violent crime in Los Angeles are 1 in 119, compared to 1 in 200 across California. For property crimes, the likelihood is 1 in 36 within the city, while statewide, it’s 1 in 43. Additionally, Los Angeles has a crime rate of 290 incidents per square mile, significantly higher than the California average of 84.
Key Crime Trends in Los Angeles
Homicides and Traffic Fatalities
Homicide numbers fell from 392 in 2022 to 327 in 2023. Interestingly, traffic-related deaths outpaced homicides for the first time in nearly a decade, with 336 fatalities reported. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has indicated that enhancing traffic safety is now a key priority. The South Bureau, in particular, saw a notable 23% decrease in homicides compared to the previous year.
Homicide Clearance Rates
LAPD’s average clearance rate for homicides—cases where an arrest was made—stood at 76% in 2023. Clearance rates by bureau were as follows:
- West Bureau: 95%
- South Bureau: 81%
- Valley Bureau: 80%
- Central Bureau: 64%
Violent Crimes
While violent crime overall decreased by 3.2% from 2022 to 2023, incidents categorized as Part 1 crimes (which include offenses like homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) increased slightly by 1.9%.
Shooting incidents also declined, with 127 fewer victims compared to the previous year—a 10% drop. The Central Bureau reported the largest reduction, with shootings down 14%. LAPD attributes this decrease in part to the confiscation of over 8,000 illegal firearms from city streets.
Property Crimes and Thefts
Property crimes rose by 3.5% in 2023 compared to the prior year. Auto thefts saw a modest increase of 2%. The LAPD’s Organized Retail Theft Task Force made 128 arrests last year, recovering 15 firearms and approximately $150,000 in stolen goods.
Additional Crime Data Highlights
- Homeless-Related Homicides: Decreased by 36%
- Part 1 Crimes: Fell by 10%
Gang-Related Homicides: Dropped by 26%
Mayor’s Initiatives to Improve Public Safety
In response to ongoing crime concerns, the mayor of Los Angeles has launched several initiatives aimed at enhancing safety across the city. These measures include:
- Expanding emergency medical response capabilities for 911 calls
- Continuing support for the LAPD’s Organized Retail Theft Task Force
- Establishing the Mayor’s Office of Community Safety to promote community-led safety programs
- Allocating $13 million to the Gang Reduction and Youth Development Program for intervention services
- Increasing wages for employees involved in the Summer Night Lights Program, which provides safe recreational activities
- Launching a citywide meal program to serve over 397,000 residents in public housing
- Implementing new strategies to address drug overdoses, including NARCAN training for city employees
While these efforts represent significant steps forward, city officials acknowledge that more work is needed to address crime comprehensively and sustainably.
