Manhattan Beach Road Safety Overview
Manhattan Beach may not be the most famous or populated community in Los Angeles County. However, its small size does not exempt it from experiencing some of the same problems as surrounding areas like Long Beach and Santa Monica. These issues include traffic accidents, which hurt and kill several people in Manhattan Beach every year.
California Car Accident Statistics
Statewide, there were 4,285 traffic fatalities in 2021. This was a 7.6% increase from 2020, during which 3,980 people died. More than 1,300 of these deaths were in a wreck involving a driver or motorcyclist whose blood alcohol concentration was over 0.08. This number was notably higher than the 1,180 people killed in such accidents in 2020.
The total number of injuries and fatalities involving drunk drivers were not the only two road safety measures increasing from 2020 to 2021.
Statewide, the following measures also increased in 2021:
- 878 unrestrained passenger vehicle occupants died in wecks, up 12.4%
- Motorcyclist fatalities were up 3%, going from 549 the year prior to 565 in 2021
- More individuals died and were not wearing seat belts than in 2020
- 1,108 pedestrians were killed in collisions, slightly more than 1,013 the year before
The number of teenagers between the ages of 15 and 20 involved in crashes also increased. However, the number of bicyclists killed in accidents decreased from 136 to 125.
Manhattan Beach Motor Vehicle Accident Details
In 2021, the Manhattan Beach community experienced 45 traffic-related injuries and deaths.
The California Office of Traffic Safety also recorded:
- 11 people hurt or killed in accidents involving an individual impaired by alcohol
- Eight motorcyclists who were injured or killed
- Seven pedestrians were hurt or killed, including two who were under the age of 15
- Nine bicyclists were hurt or killed, including two under the age of 15
Thus, Manhattan Beach represents a small fraction of the total number of traffic injuries and deaths that occur throughout California every year.
The Top Three Circumstances Giving Rise To Car Accidents in Manhattan Beach, CA
There were three circumstances identified by the Office of Traffic Safety that contributed to numerous accidents within the city.
Speeding
Speed played a role in five fatal and injury traffic wrecks in Manhattan Beach in 2021. This includes drivers who were traveling above the posted speed limit and those who were driving at an unsafe speed during inclement weather or poor road conditions. In both situations, the dangers of speeding are the same.
While traveling fast may shorten the time it takes you to reach your destination, that gain comes at an exceptional cost. Speeding gives you less time to react. You must be able to see people or other hazards on the road further away to respond to these dangers sooner to avoid a crash.
When you speed, your vehicle’s handling characteristics can also change. It can take you longer to bring your vehicle to a safe stop. Excessively and rapidly turning your steering wheel can lead to losing control of your car or truck and crashing.
Nighttime Driving
Driving after dark presents numerous risks that can make a traffic crash more likely. Most significantly, visibility at night is reduced. It is more challenging for drivers to see other vehicles, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists who might also be using the road at that time. While streetlights can help improve visibility somewhat, they are not present everywhere.
Secondly, people typically sleep at night. If you are behind the wheel when you would normally be asleep, you may feel drowsy and have trouble focusing. This can make it even harder for you to see someone or something on the road and avoid an accident. Even if you do observe a danger, your response time is slowed when you are not sharp and mentally alert.
A total of four injury and fatality accidents occurred at night in 2021.
Hit-and-Run Accidents
Three Manhattan Beach motor vehicle accidents were classified as hit-and-run wrecks. Some drivers flee the scene of an accident they caused rather than stopping, rendering aid, and providing their information to others. The law requires that you report any accident involving injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage to law enforcement right away.
Hit-and-run collisions are dangerous for those injured. In some cases, they may need immediate medical help or rescue to avoid suffering greater harm. However, they must rely on others to make the call if they are knocked unconscious, trapped in their vehicles, or if they forgot their phones at home.
In any of these circumstances, they are dependent on good Samaritans passing by to request help for them. By the time help arrives, though, they may have suffered needless and permanent damage to their brains, organs, or other body parts.
Not only this, but it is difficult for victims of hit-and-run crashes to obtain compensation. Oftentimes, the description of the at-fault driver and their car is incomplete. By the time police arrive and take down this description, the responsible party can be miles away from the accident. This leaves those injured and their insurers having to cover the damage caused by the crash.
Be Aware When Driving in Manhattan Beach
Whether you are in Manhattan Beach for work or play, it can be comforting to know that this community does not have an abundance of traffic accidents. However, it only takes one crash to cause injury to you or your loved one. The same safety tips that keep you safe in bigger cities can also increase your safety in Manhattan Beach.
Specifically, do not drink and drive or drive while high. In addition, watch your speed and exercise greater caution at night. These simple tips can help reduce the chances of you or your loved ones being involved in a crash.