Long Beach, located along the Southern California coast, is one of the largest cities in Los Angeles County. It has a population of over 460,000 residents. As a major port city and commuter hub, it faces heavy daily traffic from freight vehicles, local drivers, and regional commuters. This volume increases the risk of accidents. Recent data from the California Office of Traffic Safety shows that Long Beach often ranks among the most dangerous cities in its size category for traffic collisions.
In 2023, there were more than 3,700 reported fatal and injury crashes. The city is near the top statewide for pedestrian, bicyclist, and hit-and-run incidents. City-led safety programs highlight the issue further. Local initiatives indicate that speeding is one of the top causes of crashes. While pedestrians and cyclists account for a smaller share of total collisions, they suffer a disproportionately high number of serious injuries and fatalities. Given this context, certain intersections and corridors in Long Beach are particularly dangerous.
The Most Dangerous Intersections in Long Beach
Pacific Avenue and Willow Street This intersection is often seen as one of the most hazardous in Long Beach. Many crashes here are broadside (T-bone) collisions, usually due to drivers running red lights or making unsafe turns. Improper turning and not obeying traffic signals are major causes of accidents in this area. The high traffic volumes, combined with multiple turning lanes and limited reaction time, make this intersection especially risky during peak hours.
Anaheim Street and Long Beach Boulevard
This busy urban intersection is known for a high number of crashes involving pedestrians. Nearly 13% of collisions here include pedestrians, reflecting the heavy foot traffic in the vicinity.
The mix of buses, cars, cyclists, and pedestrians, along with frequent signal changes, creates a complex and often unpredictable environment. Driving under the influence, speeding, and failure to yield are common factors.
Alamitos Avenue and Anaheim Street
This high-risk intersection experiences a variety of broadside, head-on, and pedestrian collisions. Speeding and impaired driving are major contributors, along with drivers following too closely or misjudging gaps in traffic. Its location near dense residential and commercial areas means both vehicle and pedestrian activity remain consistently high.
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and Cerritos Avenue
Pacific Coast Highway is one of the busiest and most dangerous corridors in Long Beach. Sadly, a scooter rider was killed near Cerritos Avenue while crossing outside of a crosswalk. High speeds, multiple lanes, and frequent mid-block crossings make PCH especially dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.
Cherry Avenue and 7th Street Corridor
Though not one specific intersection, the area around Cherry Avenue and 7th Street is regularly recognized as dangerous due to heavy traffic and confusing layouts. This corridor frequently sees crashes linked to congestion, sudden lane changes, and limited visibility. Residents and local reports often cite aggressive driving and red-light violations as ongoing concerns in this area.
What Causes These Collisions?
In Long Beach, several recurring factors contribute to intersection crashes:
Speeding: Driving too fast for conditions raises both the chance and severity of crashes. – Failure to obey traffic signals: Running red lights or ignoring signs is a leading cause of T-bone collisions.
Impaired driving: Alcohol and drug use are significant contributors to serious crashes. – Improper turning and right-of-way violations: Misjudging gaps or making illegal turns often leads to intersection collisions.
Distracted driving: Phones and other distractions slow reaction time during critical moments.
Road design problems: Poor visibility, unclear lane markings, and complex layouts increase confusion and risk.
Reducing the Risk on Long Beach Roads
Improving safety at dangerous intersections requires a mix of driver awareness, enforcement, and infrastructure improvements. For drivers, slowing down and approaching intersections carefully, especially in busy areas, can greatly lower the chance of a crash.
Following traffic signals, avoiding distractions, and yielding to pedestrians are essential habits. At the city level, Long Beach is working on “Vision Zero” goals aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities. Strategies include redesigning streets to calm traffic, improving crosswalk visibility, and increasing enforcement of traffic laws.
Public awareness is also vital. Community feedback has helped highlight high-risk areas and advocate for safety improvements like better lighting, protected bike lanes, and clearer signage.
If you drive regularly in Long Beach, stay alert at high-risk intersections and busy corridors like Pacific Coast Highway and Anaheim Street. Small actions, such as slowing down, checking for pedestrians, and following signals, can prevent serious collisions. If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash at a Long Beach intersection due to another driver's negligence, it's important to understand your options. Speaking with a qualified personal injury attorney can clarify your rights. Legal guidance can help you know the next steps and whether compensation might be available. Consultations are usually free and confidential.
