As a resident of Costa Mesa, Orange County, Newport Beach, Santa Ana, or Huntington Beach, you know that these cities are home to some of the busiest and most crowded roads in the country. With so many cars on the road, it’s no surprise that accidents are a common occurrence.
But just how common are the accidents, and what are the trends and contributing factors? Let’s dive into the available accident statistics and trends in these popular Orange County cities.
Accident Statistics in Orange County
In Newport Beach, the numbers are slightly lower, with 3,493 accidents in 2020, 1,025 resulting in injury, and 12 resulting in fatalities. The numbers get somewhat higher in Santa Ana with 14,928 casualties, where 4,813 were injuries and 41 were deaths. And in Huntington Beach, there were 7,944 accidents in 2020, where 2,129 were injuries, and 22 were fatalities.
Data from the California Highway Patrol shows there were 10,414 accidents in Costa Mesa in 2020, which included 2,986 injuries and 36 fatalities. Orange County had a staggering 71,567 casualties in the same year, with 21,964 injuries and 260 deaths.
Contributing Factors
So, what are the trends and contributing factors behind these accidents? One of the biggest culprits is distracted driving. With the proliferation of smartphones and other electronic devices, it’s all too easy for drivers to take their eyes off the road, even for just a few seconds. This can have deadly consequences, as even a brief distraction can lead to an accident.
While the adrenaline rush as you zip past other vehicles on the highway is irresistible, the high speed can be deadly. Reaction times at high speeds are limited, and you can do nothing when something goes wrong.
On the other hand, drivers that have had one too many bottles of alcohol endanger their lives and that of others. Drunk driving impairs a driver’s judgment and reaction time, and the probability of causing an accident is high in most cases. In Orange County, alcohol was a factor in 23% of fatal accidents in 2020.
But does that mean residents of Orange County and surrounding areas cannot do anything about it? To the contrary!
No doubt these accident statistics and trends are alarming, but there are a couple of things you can do to stay safe on the roads. As a rule of thumb, practice safe driving habits. Give way, put your phone down while on the wheel or road, obey the speed limit, and never drive while intoxicated or with impaired judgment.
In addition to practicing safe driving habits, have adequate insurance coverage. The right insurance cover can help protect you from financial hardship. In California, all drivers must carry a minimum amount of liability coverage. But based on your situation, you may want to consider additional coverage such as collision, comprehensive and uninsured motorist protection.
Safeguard Against Maintenance & Repair Costs
So, what options do you have to ensure your used car maintenance and repair costs are within a reasonable range? First, to continue within the accidents scope of this article, it is important to have adequate insurance coverage for your vehicle. Keep in mind there are multiple types with a number of deductibles. It is important to carefully assess the level of coverage required against the premiums to ensure fair coverage at a fair rate.
As a point of note, there are times when specific coverage levels can be adjusted that will provide increased coverage in critical areas and low-risk in others. Many individuals think all insurance is the same, and shop solely on the basis of price. Be cautious taking this approach. Every insurance company is not created equal, and when the time comes to pay out claims, the wrong company may cause concern. At times, paying a few dollars more per month pays off with the ease of getting a claim paid out.
Another consideration is coverage levels. While frequent coverages are $100k/$250k, a slight premium increase can provide $300k/$500k coverage – or even more. And while the monthly premiums may be slightly more, one serious accident that includes medical care can easily go above the $250k per accident cap. Additionally, frequently health insurance companies will take their piece of insurance settlements in cases involving medical care, leaving the policy-holder with little remaining payout post-accident. This is why it’s important to carefully assess your situation, insurance needs, and policy limitations.
Repairs and Maintenance:
While all machines and moving parts eventually wear out and need replacing, the good news is that OC Auto Matrix has got you covered with their aftermarket warranty. We care about our customers in Orange County.
You can purchase an aftermarket warranty for your used car from Auto Matrix for peace of mind and assured vehicle reliability in Orange County. Just like insurance companies, no two used cars are created equal — but your team of automotive experts at OC Auto Matrix can help you find the best used cars at the best prices in the Orange County Area, and get you a payment that works for you.
So if you have questions about this article, buying cars, selling cars, or just want to come have a chat, stop by for a coffee and discussion with us. Come see what makes OC Auto Matrix the best used car dealer in Orange County!
Rather than search for Used Car Dealers in Santa Ana, save time and visit us for expert advice and quality used cars!
Donna is your friend in the know. Her blog is a treasure trove of insightful tidbits on a wide range of topics. From wellness to technology, she’s your source for staying informed and inspired.
Donna is your friend in the know. Her blog is a treasure trove of insightful tidbits on a wide range of topics. From wellness to technology, she's your source for staying informed and inspired.
