The Most Dangerous Roads to Drive in Glendale, California 

Glendale, a major city in Los Angeles County with a population of approximately 190,000, experiences heavy traffic due to its proximity to Los Angeles and major highways, including I-5, SR-134 (Ventura Freeway), and SR-2 (Glendale Freeway). This heavy traffic contributes to a high number of accidents, particularly around busy intersections and high-speed roads. 

Los Angeles County as a whole experienced approximately 39,957 injury crashes and 793 fatal crashes in the last year. Glendale alone accounted for around 597 injury or fatal crashes, which is a significant number for a suburban city. 

The Law Offices of Michelle Choe is aware of concerning traffic patterns in Glendale and is committed to helping residents stay safe on the road. That’s why we’ve conducted in-depth research to keep you informed. Using data from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS) via the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS), the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the Glendale Police Department, and local sources such as The Los Angeles Times, we have identified Glendale’s most dangerous intersections, roads, common crash causes, and high-risk times. 

Key Takeaways from Glendale Crash Data   

• Most Dangerous Intersection:  Brand Blvd. and Sanchez Dr. tops the list with 65 reported crashes. This high-risk location is heavily impacted by nearby access to the Ventura Freeway ramp and significant commercial traffic. 
• Fatality Hotspots: The most fatal crash zone is I-5 & Colorado St (4 fatal crashes), often involving high speeds associated with freeway access or police pursuits. 
• Peak Crash Times: The highest number of collisions occurs during rush hours, specifically from 7:00 to 9:00 AM and from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Additionally, late-night crashes from 6:00 PM to midnight show a strong correlation with alcohol involvement, accounting for 16.03% of severe incidents. 
• Leading Causes of Crashes: Speeding: 27.4% of total crashes. Distracted driving: 12.9% (with 40% of drivers admitting to texting while driving). Traffic signal violations account for 33.97% of severe crashes. Right-of-way violations: 23.72% 

Most Common Causes of Accidents in Glendale 

A combination of high-density urban infrastructure, proximity to major freeways, and unique demographic factors shapes Glendale’s car accident landscape. These elements create an environment where several recurring causes of crashes stand out. The most common causes we see are: 

1. Speeding: Speeding is a leading cause of accidents in Glendale, contributing to 27.4% of all crashes. The city's proximity to major highways, such as I-5, SR-134, and SR-2, means drivers often transition between high-speed freeway travel and densely populated surface streets. This mismatch frequently results in rear-end and side-impact collisions, especially at busy on/off-ramp intersections, such as Brand Blvd & Sanchez Dr, and I-5 & Colorado St. 
2. Distracted Driving: Distracted driving plays a significant role in Glendale’s crash profile. 12.9% of collisions are directly linked to driver distraction, with studies showing that 40% of drivers admit to texting or emailing while driving. In Glendale’s bustling downtown areas, such as Glendale Avenue and Wilson Avenue, navigating complex intersections requires complete attention—something that’s often compromised by the use of mobile devices. Broader statewide data suggests that up to 80% of crashes involve some form of inattention, a pattern reflected in Glendale's data. 
3. Traffic Signal Violations: Ignoring red lights and stop signs is another top contributor, responsible for 33.97% of severe crashes in the city. These violations often occur in high-traffic commercial areas, such as Colorado Street and Pacific Avenue, and Central Avenue near the Americana at Brand, where fast-paced traffic and pedestrian activity collide. Signal violations in this area increase the likelihood of T-bone and pedestrian-involved collisions. 
4. Right-of-Way Violations: Failing to yield the right of way accounts for 23.72% of severe crashes, especially at busy and confusing intersections. This is exacerbated by Glendale’s older road design, which includes narrow lanes, limited sightlines, and high pedestrian volume, particularly near retail centers and transit corridors.
5. Urban Congestion and Infrastructure Design: Unlike rural cities, Glendale’s urban density intensifies congestion, resulting in a higher baseline risk of accidents. In 2016 alone, the city recorded 2,104 total crashes, a number that continues to reflect ongoing challenges despite safety upgrades. Issues like narrow roads, outdated intersections, and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure contribute to persistent crash patterns. 

Most Dangerous Intersections in Glendale 

Glendale is home to numerous major streets and highways that intersect throughout the city, which is an expected challenge given its proximity to Los Angeles. According to crash data from SWITRS via the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) and reports from The Los Angeles Times, the following intersections have been identified as the most crash-prone in Glendale, based on the total number of injury and fatal crashes occurring within 200 feet of each location. 

Being aware of these high-risk intersections can help drivers stay alert and cautious when entering, exiting, or passing through them.