Fatal Crashes Persist in California Amid Distracted and Impaired Driving

Law firm review finds distraction and impairment remain leading contributors to deadly collisions

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:54pm

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Heavily blurred streaks of color representing a fast-moving vehicle, conveying a sense of speed, modern engineering, and the chaos of distracted or impaired driving.As California grapples with fatal crash trends, the role of distracted and impaired driving remains a pressing public safety concern.Los Angeles Today

A review of traffic safety data by Los Angeles-based law firm BD&J has found that fatal motor vehicle collisions remain a persistent public safety concern in California, with distracted and impaired driving continuing to be cited as leading contributing factors. The firm's attorneys report that a significant portion of wrongful death cases they handle involve allegations of distraction, alcohol impairment, or other negligent driving behaviors.

Why it matters

California's high traffic density, long commuter distances, and sustained population growth contribute to overall exposure risk on the roads. While the state has implemented legislation and enforcement efforts aimed at reducing roadway risk, fatal collisions remain a measurable issue across densely populated regions.

The details

State and federal traffic safety agencies have consistently identified distracted driving and driving under the influence as primary contributors to fatal crashes. A 2025 statewide survey found that 71 percent of Californians identified texting while driving as their top roadway safety concern. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also continues to report distraction and alcohol impairment as major causes of traffic fatalities nationwide.

  • In 2025, a statewide survey found that 71 percent of Californians identified texting while driving as their top roadway safety concern.

The players

BD&J, PC

A law firm that has served Californians for over 20 years in many areas of personal injury law, including auto or truck accidents, motorcycle and pedestrian collisions, premises liability, commercial injury, dog bites, and more.

Lauren Horwitz

A partner at BD&J who says the firm continues to observe the role that distraction and impairment play in serious and fatal collisions.

Shawn McCann

A partner at BD&J who says reducing preventable risk factors such as distracted and impaired driving is central to lowering fatal crash rates.

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What they’re saying

“What we continue to observe in case patterns is the role that distraction and impairment play in serious and fatal collisions.”

— Lauren Horwitz, Partner, BD&J

“Drivers have a legal duty to operate vehicles safely. Reducing preventable risk factors such as distracted and impaired driving is central to lowering fatal crash rates.”

— Shawn McCann, Partner, BDJ

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges California faces in addressing distracted and impaired driving, which continue to be major contributors to fatal crashes despite legislative and enforcement efforts. Reducing these preventable risk factors remains central to improving roadway safety across the state's densely populated regions.