Most Dangerous Streets for Pedestrians in Los Angeles

Hollywood Boulevard is one of the most iconic streets not only in Los Angeles but in the entire world, drawing millions of visitors every year thanks to glamorous attractions like the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, and a constant stream of entertainment and nightlife events. However, beneath its glitzy exterior lies a persistent safety concern: a disproportionately high number of pedestrian accidents.

Despite the street’s popularity and day-and-night foot traffic, Hollywood Boulevard lacks critical pedestrian safety features. Wide lanes encourage speeding, while frequent visual obstructions, such as parked tour buses, vendor stalls, and street performers, limit a driver’s ability to see pedestrians attempting to cross. The signage and signals meant to guide both walkers and drivers are often unclear or poorly placed, creating confusion at busy intersections.

Many pedestrian collisions occur in areas without designated crosswalks, or where crosswalk signals are poorly timed, forcing people to rush across traffic. The problem worsens at night when poor lighting and glare from neon signs reduce visibility even further.

Key Risk Factors on Hollywood Blvd:

• High foot traffic from tourists unfamiliar with the area, including international visitors with limited knowledge of American traffic laws
• Wide roadways that encourage high vehicle speeds
• Inadequate signage and crosswalk timing
• Poor nighttime visibility due to glare and inconsistent lighting
• Frequent jaywalking due to long blocks without crosswalks

These factors make Hollywood Boulevard one of the most dangerous streets in Los Angeles for pedestrians, especially during weekends and evening hours when activity peaks.

Sunset Boulevard is a major corridor that winds through Los Angeles neighborhoods like Silver Lake, Echo Park, West Hollywood, Westwood, and Brentwood all the way west to the Pacific Ocean. While it is known for its vibrant culture and buzzing restaurant and nightlife venues, it is also a hotspot for Sunset Blvd accidents, primarily due to speeding and distracted driving.

With multiple lanes and frequent congestion, drivers often speed through open stretches or brake abruptly in traffic. This unpredictable flow puts pedestrians at risk, especially at poorly marked or low-visibility crosswalks. Add in constant distractions, from digital billboards to mobile phone use to valet parking attendants running to and from vehicles, and the chances of drivers failing to see or yield to pedestrians increase significantly.

Why Sunset Blvd is risky for pedestrians:

• High-speed traffic during off-peak hours
• Frequent driver distraction from phones and signage
• Inconsistent crosswalk visibility
• Congestion-related stop-and-go movement

Sunset Boulevard continues to rank high in reports of pedestrian-involved collisions, particularly at night and during weekends.

Crenshaw Boulevard runs through several densely populated neighborhoods and serves as a key north-south route across Los Angeles. Despite high foot traffic and numerous public transportation access points, the boulevard lacks adequate pedestrian infrastructure, making Crenshaw Blvd pedestrian safety a serious concern.

Many sections have long stretches without marked crosswalks, forcing pedestrians to cross mid-block or travel far out of their way to find a safe crossing. Poor street lighting at night further reduces visibility, increasing the risk of collisions, especially during early morning and evening hours.

Primary safety issues on Crenshaw Boulevard include:

• Insufficient crosswalk placement and spacing
• Low visibility due to poor lighting
• High traffic volume with limited pedestrian protection
• Infrequent pedestrian signals at busy intersections

These factors make Crenshaw Boulevard one of the most dangerous roads in Los Angeles for pedestrians, particularly in lower-income and underserved communities.

Washington Boulevard between Figueroa and Main functions as a high-speed east-west connector, but its inconsistent lane markings and lack of clear separation between vehicles and bikes make it especially dangerous for cyclists. Without designated turn-only lanes, drivers often make sudden, unpredictable movements that put riders at serious risk.

The corridor has seen numerous crashes involving side-swipes and missed stops, a pattern that reflects both poor design and high traffic volume. As a key bicycle crash hotspot in Los Angeles, this stretch urgently needs clearer lane definitions and traffic-calming measures.

Western Avenue is known for being a high-risk throughway for pedestrians, with a significant number of accidents and injuries occurring along this route. Several factors contribute to this trend, including high vehicle speeds, heavy traffic, and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure. The wide lanes and lack of clear pedestrian crossings in many areas increase the risk for walkers, as drivers often do not yield or notice pedestrians in time.

In addition to these factors, the street is frequently congested, particularly during rush hours, which forces pedestrians to navigate busy roads with little protection. Poorly lit crosswalks, limited pedestrian signals, and the lack of refuge islands further exacerbate the dangers. As a result, pedestrians on Western Avenue are at an elevated risk of injury, with collisions often occurring in areas with high foot traffic, such as near bus stops or commercial zones. This combination of fast-moving vehicles, insufficient pedestrian infrastructure, and high traffic volume makes Western Avenue one of the most dangerous streets for walkers.

Broadway in Downtown LA sees a dangerous mix of heavy tourist footfall and dense vehicular traffic, which significantly contributes to pedestrian accidents. The area is a popular destination for visitors, leading to large crowds of pedestrians who are often unfamiliar with the area and distracted by the numerous attractions. This influx of tourists increases the chances of pedestrians crossing streets without paying full attention to traffic, particularly in busier areas near theaters, shops, and historical sites.

Meanwhile, the high volume of traffic, especially during DTLA’s morning and afternoon commute hours, makes it difficult for both drivers and pedestrians to navigate safely. Vehicles often travel at high speeds, and the lack of adequate pedestrian signals and crossings in certain areas adds to the risks. Drivers may fail to anticipate the sudden movement of tourists, further compounding the danger. The combination of distracted pedestrians, unpredictable crossings, and fast-moving traffic creates a hazardous environment on Broadway, making pedestrian safety a major concern in the heart of Downtown LA.

Santa Monica Boulevard poses a significant danger to pedestrians due to blocked crosswalks, a frequent issue in high-traffic areas. Vehicles often stop in crosswalks, especially during peak hours, preventing pedestrians from safely crossing the street. This obstruction forces pedestrians to navigate around vehicles or step into the roadway, increasing their risk of being struck by moving traffic.

The issue is exacerbated in busy commercial zones, where drivers are more focused on finding parking or moving through traffic than yielding to pedestrians. This leaves crosswalks congested and unsafe, especially in areas with high foot traffic, such as near shopping centers, restaurants, and public transit stops. As a result, blocked crosswalks are a key factor in pedestrian accidents along Santa Monica Boulevard, making it a dangerous route for walkers. Ensuring clear and unobstructed pedestrian paths is critical to improving safety on this busy thoroughfare.

Florence Avenue has been the site of tragic pedestrian fatalities, particularly involving children, due to several contributing factors. The road’s high traffic volume and the lack of adequate pedestrian safety measures put young pedestrians at significant risk. Many areas along Florence Avenue are characterized by limited crosswalks, poor lighting, and insufficient pedestrian signals, which make it difficult for children to safely cross the street, especially during busy traffic times.

In addition, drivers on Florence Avenue often travel at high speeds, making it challenging to react in time when a child unexpectedly crosses the road. The presence of schools and playgrounds near the street increases the likelihood of child pedestrians, but the absence of traffic control measures, such as speed bumps or pedestrian bridges, further exacerbates the danger. Tragically, these factors have contributed to fatal collisions involving children, highlighting the urgent need for improved infrastructure and traffic safety measures on Florence Avenue to protect vulnerable pedestrians.

Van Nuys Boulevard has seen a troubling increase in night time pedestrian accidents, driven by several key factors. One major cause is the reduced visibility in dusk and evening hours, which makes it more difficult for both pedestrians and drivers to see each other. Pedestrians are often less visible to drivers due to inadequate street lighting and the absence of well-marked crosswalks in certain areas, leading to higher rates of accidents after dark.

Additionally, traffic speeds tend to increase during the night when the streets are less congested, reducing the amount of time drivers have to react to pedestrians in crosswalks or on the road. Alcohol impairment is also a contributing factor, with more drivers under the influence at night, thus further increasing the risk of accidents. These combined issues, poor visibility, higher speeds, and impaired driving have led to a significant spike in night pedestrian incidents on Van Nuys Boulevard, pointing out the need for better lighting, safer crosswalks, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws during late hours.

Two of the most prominent causes of pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles are inadequate lighting and poor street design. Many of the city's streets, especially those with heavy traffic, suffer from low visibility due to insufficient street lighting. Poor street lighting accidents are particularly common during evening and nighttime hours when pedestrians and drivers alike struggle to see one another clearly. Additionally, many streets are poorly designed for pedestrian traffic, with wide roadways and few safe crossing points. These design flaws create environments where pedestrians are often forced to navigate dangerous roads without the proper infrastructure to protect them.

Another significant issue contributing to pedestrian accidents in Los Angeles is the lack of protected crosswalks or clear signage. Missing crosswalks in LA, especially in busy areas or complex intersections, put pedestrians at risk by forcing them to cross streets in unsafe locations. Without proper pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, such as dedicated pedestrian signals, safe crossings, and visible crosswalk markings, people on foot are left vulnerable. In areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as near schools or popular tourist spots, the absence of such measures significantly increases the likelihood of accidents.

Distracted driving is another growing concern in high-density zones across Los Angeles. Distracted driving pedestrian accidents occur when drivers are more focused on their devices, navigation systems, or other distractions rather than on the road and the pedestrians around them. High-density areas with heavy traffic and constant movement exacerbate this problem, as drivers are often rushing to get through intersections or ignoring stop signals. When combined with impatient driving behaviors, this results in a dangerous environment for pedestrians who may be crossing the street or waiting at intersections.

If a driver is at fault in a pedestrian accident, the injured pedestrian has the right to seek compensation for their injuries. Establishing driver negligence is a crucial step in this process, and understanding how to prove fault is essential for ensuring a successful claim.

1. Proving Driver Negligence
   To establish that the driver was negligent, the pedestrian (or their attorney) must prove that the driver failed to exercise reasonable care while operating their vehicle. This involves demonstrating the following four key elements:
   • Duty of Care: The driver had a legal obligation to drive safely and obey traffic laws.
   • Breach of Duty: The driver violated that duty by engaging in negligent behavior, such as speeding, running a red light, failing to yield to pedestrians, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
   • Causation: The driver’s negligence directly caused the pedestrian accident and the resulting injuries.
   • Damages: The pedestrian suffered actual damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other financial losses as a result of the accident.
2. Gathering Evidence
   Evidence is essential to proving that the driver was at fault. This can include:
   • Police Reports: A police report can provide an official record of the accident, including any citations issued to the driver for violations.
   • Witness Testimonies: Eyewitnesses who saw the accident can provide valuable statements supporting the pedestrian's version of events.
   • Traffic Camera Footage: In some cases, surveillance or traffic camera footage can capture the accident and show how the driver behaved at the time of the incident.
   • Medical Records: These documents demonstrate the extent of the pedestrian's injuries and how they relate to the accident.
3. Filing a Personal Injury Claim
   Once negligence has been established, the injured pedestrian can file a personal injury claim against the driver’s insurance company. The claim will include details of the accident, the injuries sustained, and the evidence supporting the driver’s fault. The insurance company will then investigate the claim and either offer a settlement or deny the claim.
4. Negotiating a Settlement
   In many cases, personal injury claims are resolved through negotiation, where the injured party and the insurance company agree on a fair settlement. A settlement may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses. However, it is important to have an attorney involved during the negotiation process to ensure that the settlement offer is fair and adequately covers all damages.
5. Litigation if Settlement Fails
   If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, or if liability is disputed, the case may proceed to trial. In this case, the pedestrian will need to present the evidence in court, and a judge or jury will determine the amount of compensation to award based on the facts of the case.
6. Compensation for Damages
   If the driver is found to be at fault, the pedestrian may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
   
   • Medical Expenses: This covers the cost of treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
   • Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work after the accident.
   • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by the injuries.
   • Future Damages: If the injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, compensation for future medical expenses and lost earning potential may also be awarded.

In some cases, the city may be held liable for a pedestrian accident if unsafe conditions on the road contributed to the incident. This can include poorly designed streets, lack of crosswalks, inadequate lighting, or other hazards that make walking dangerous. City liability in pedestrian accidents is often tied to the government's responsibility to maintain safe road conditions. If an accident occurred due to the city's failure to address known hazards, the victim may have grounds to file a claim against the local government. Proving city liability can be complex, as it often requires showing that the city was aware of the dangerous conditions and failed to make necessary repairs or improvements.

Blair & Ramirez LLP is known for their outstanding results, securing multi-million dollar settlements for victims of pedestrian accidents. Their team of experienced attorneys has a long history of achieving pedestrian accident settlement amounts that far exceed expectations. The firm fights tirelessly to ensure that victims receive full compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and pain and suffering. This proven ability to secure large settlements gives victims the confidence that they are in capable hands and that their legal team is prepared to fight for the best possible outcome.

Blair & Ramirez LLP offers comprehensive support for all clients, including bilingual assistance to serve a wider range of victims in Los Angeles. In addition, the firm understands the complex tactics used by insurance companies to undervalue claims and deny rightful compensation. With skilled lawyers who know how to navigate the challenges of dealing with insurance companies, Blair & Ramirez LLP ensures that victims are not taken advantage of. The firm’s attorneys are available 24/7 to provide guidance, answer questions, and give clients the peace of mind they deserve throughout the legal process.

One of the primary reasons victims choose Blair & Ramirez LLP is the firm’s commitment to accessible legal services. The firm offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront fees unless they win your case. This makes legal assistance accessible to anyone, regardless of their financial situation. Additionally, Blair & Ramirez LLP offers home and hospital visits, ensuring that Los Angeles clients who are recovering from injuries do not have to worry about transportation or taking time off and sitting in traffic to visit the office. The firm’s flexible approach is designed to accommodate the needs of every victim and provide them with the best possible care during their recovery.

Pedestrian fatalities remain a significant concern in major U.S. cities. Recent data highlights the disparities in pedestrian safety across Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, and Phoenix.​

Los Angeles

• Fatalities: In 2022, Los Angeles reported 159 pedestrian deaths, marking a 19% increase from the previous year.
• Rate: Approximately 1.5 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents.
• Context: Despite the city's Vision Zero initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities, pedestrian deaths have been rising. ​

New York City

• Fatalities: In 2023, NYC recorded 101 pedestrian deaths, the lowest in over a century.
• Rate: Approximately 1.2 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents.
• Context: The city's Vision Zero program has contributed to a significant decline in pedestrian fatalities over the past decade. ​

San Francisco

• Fatalities: In 2022, San Francisco experienced 37 pedestrian deaths, the highest since the implementation of its Vision Zero plan in 2014.
• Rate: Approximately 4.4 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents.
• Context: Despite efforts, the city has faced challenges in reducing pedestrian fatalities, with some intersections remaining particularly hazardous. 

Phoenix

• Fatalities: Arizona had 307 pedestrian deaths in 2022, with Phoenix contributing significantly to this total.
• Rate: Approximately 4.17 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 residents.
• Context: Phoenix's streets are among the most dangerous for pedestrians in the U.S., with high-speed roads and limited pedestrian infrastructure. ​

These statistics underscore the varying challenges cities face in ensuring pedestrian safety. While New York City has made significant strides, other cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Phoenix continue to grapple with high pedestrian fatality rates. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive strategies, including improved infrastructure, stricter traffic laws, and public awareness campaigns.

Los Angeles remains one of the most car-centric cities in the United States, and this legacy continues to shape its urban planning decisions today. The dominance of automobiles in LA is deeply rooted in historical choices, policy decisions, and the city’s sprawling development model, all of which contribute to inadequate pedestrian infrastructure and ongoing safety challenges for those on foot.

Historical Foundations of Car-Centric Design

LA’s urban form began shifting toward car dominance in the early 20th century, especially after the decline of its once-extensive streetcar system. By the 1950s, powerful automobile and oil industry interests influenced public policy and infrastructure funding. The construction of the freeway system became a hallmark of Los Angeles’ post-war expansion, encouraging suburban development and reinforcing reliance on personal vehicles.

As a result, LA grew outward rather than upward, leading to a decentralized, low-density city where long travel distances made driving not just common, but necessary. This pattern of development deprioritized walkability, especially in residential areas far from commercial and transit centers.

Policy Prioritization of Roads and Highways

For decades, transportation policy in LA focused almost exclusively on expanding road capacity to accommodate growing traffic volumes. Funding was directed primarily toward highway construction and maintenance, while pedestrian infrastructure, such as sidewalks, safe crosswalks, and pedestrian signals, was often underfunded or entirely neglected.

Even today, despite efforts like Vision Zero, many transportation planning decisions still prioritize car throughput over pedestrian safety. For example, wide roads with high speed limits, minimal pedestrian crossings, and intersections designed to optimize vehicle flow all reflect a car-first philosophy.

Impact on Pedestrian Infrastructure

This emphasis on vehicles has directly led to poor pedestrian infrastructure in many parts of Los Angeles. Sidewalks are often narrow, damaged, or nonexistent. Crosswalks can be widely spaced, poorly marked, or missing entirely. In many neighborhoods, pedestrians face long wait times at intersections and limited protection from speeding cars.
Furthermore, zoning policies have historically separated residential and commercial areas, forcing people to drive even short distances rather than walk. Combined with sprawling neighborhoods and inadequate transit access, this creates environments where walking is neither convenient nor safe.

The Road Ahead

Reversing this deeply embedded car-centric planning model will take time and significant investment. Los Angeles has begun taking steps toward improving pedestrian infrastructure, but the legacy of past decisions remains a major barrier. Transforming LA into a more pedestrian-friendly city will require comprehensive changes to land use policy, transportation planning, and infrastructure funding priorities.

Until then, the city’s pedestrians will continue to navigate streets designed with vehicles in mind, often at the expense of their safety.

While legal support is available for pedestrians injured in accidents, prevention is always the first line of defense. Los Angeles' busy streets, wide intersections, and car-first infrastructure can make walking a challenge, but with the right precautions, you can reduce your risk and stay safe. Here are some proactive pedestrian safety tips tailored for navigating LA's urban environment.

1. Use Marked Crosswalks and Signals
   Always cross at designated crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals, even if the road looks clear. Avoid crossing mid-block or between parked cars, where drivers may not expect to see pedestrians.
2. Stay Visible, Especially at Night
   Wear bright or reflective clothing when walking after dark, and carry a flashlight if needed. Many pedestrian accidents in LA happen at night due to poor lighting and low visibility, especially on wide, fast-moving roads like Van Nuys Boulevard or Western Avenue.
3. Avoid Distractions
   Keep your phone in your pocket and your ears open. Distracted walking, especially when texting or using earbuds, can prevent you from noticing oncoming traffic or changes in your environment.
4. Make Eye Contact with Drivers
   Never assume a driver sees you. Make eye contact before crossing, especially at intersections with turning vehicles. This is particularly important on streets with complex intersections, like Vermont Avenue.
5. Watch for Turning Vehicles
   Many pedestrian accidents occur when drivers are making left or right turns. Be cautious at intersections, even when the pedestrian signal is in your favor. Vehicles may be speeding through turns or failing to yield.
6. Use Sidewalks Whenever Available
   Stick to sidewalks whenever possible. On streets where sidewalks are narrow, blocked, or missing, like certain stretches of Santa Monica Boulevard, walk as far from the curb as you can and face oncoming traffic if you must walk on the road.
7. Stay Alert Near Driveways and Parking Lots
   Drivers pulling out of driveways or parking garages may not see pedestrians on the sidewalk. Be especially careful in commercial areas like Beverly Center or L.A. Live where drivers are often distracted or in a hurry.
8. Be Cautious in High-Risk Areas
   Certain corridors in LA, such as Florence Avenue, Broadway, and Figueroa Street are known for high pedestrian injury and fatality rates. Extra vigilance in these areas can go a long way toward staying safe.
9. Advocate for Safer Streets
   If you notice a particularly dangerous intersection or blocked crosswalk, report it to CalTrans or the Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT). Community input plays a key role in improving pedestrian safety infrastructure citywide.