World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims 2020
STOP the CARnage
15 November 2020

Media and Educational Event

Most Dangerous Intersections in Los Angeles

In 2020, Slauson and Western is the most dangerous intersection in Los Angeles and often one of the most dangerous intersections every year.

Intersections with the most collisions (Jan. 1 – July 31, 2020)

Slauson Ave & Western Ave (Harvard Park) 22
Sherman Way & Sepulveda Blvd (Van Nuys) 19
Sherman Way & Kester Ave (Van Nuys) 11
Figueroa St. & Manchester Ave (Vermont Knolls) 10
Slauson Ave & Vermont Ave (Vermont-Slauson) 10
Western Ave & Santa Monica Blvd (East Hollywood) 10
Florence Ave & Broadway (Florence) 9
Florence Ave & Main St. (Florence) 9
Sherman Way & Woodman Ave (Valley Glen) 9
Cahuenga Blvd & Pilgrimage (Hollywood Hills) 8

Source: LAPD Traffic Dataset

What Makes an Intersection Dangerous

There are four usual reasons for traffic collisions in an intersection:
Speeding
Unsafe left turn
Unsafe right turn
Failing to stop on red

Distracted driving or intoxicated driving (alcohol or drugs) is often a factor.

What Can I Do About it?

As a driver — slow down, put the phone down, and watch the road.

As a passenger — insist that your driver is doing the same. Your life and the lives of others around you depend on it.

As a pedestrian — cross at marked intersections, wear bright/light clothes (especially at night), look both ways for cars and continue to look for cars as you’re crossing. Until they stop for you, always assume a driver doesn’t see you, even if you have the right of way.

As a cyclist — follow the rules of the road, wear bright/light clothes, and continually watch for cars. Until they see you, always assume a driver doesn’t see you, even if you have the right of way.

What Else Can Be Done to Save Lives?

Demand safer streets — intersections and streets can be made safer for pedestrians, cyclists and cars by changing their design. Slauson and Western, like many other dangerous intersections in Los Angeles, has not been upgraded to make it safer.

Our city leaders need to know that people care about life-saving improvements to our roads. Speak up, educate others, and join a community group like Streets Are For Everyone.

What is SAFE?

SAFE (Streets Are For Everyone) aims to improve the quality of life for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers alike by working to reduce traffic caused fatalities to Zero. SAFE works with victims of traffic violence on education and awareness about street safety issues as well as working with legislators and government leaders to improve policy and laws. For information about SAFE or to volunteer or support its programs, go to StreetsAreForEveryone.org.

The signs were designed by Los Angeles experimental artist, Scott Froschauer. Scott’s art has been seen around the world, including in the Smithsonian Institute. For more information about Scott or to view some of his other art, go to ScottFroschauer.com.