PCH is getting more dangerous

In our last edition of Tort Talk, we discussed the tragic case out of Malibu where 4 pedestrians were killed on Pacific Coast Highway. The driver responsible for that collision is facing serious criminal charges.

Recently, the Los Angeles Times outlined how PCH is getting more dangerous. In a scary statistic, there have been 170 deaths or serious injuries on Pacific Coast Highway since 2011. If that statistic doesn’t scare you, maybe this will: Over 1,100 pedestrians were killed on California roads in 2021 alone.

What’s behind the increasing danger on Pacific Coast Highway?

There are multiple factors. For one, PCH in Malibu is a 21 mile stretch of curving, bending roads. There are stretches of PCH without stoplights, making it easy to speed. Furthermore, since Malibu also has a residential neighborhood, the streets see a decrease in traffic in the evenings. The wide-open beachfront road encourages many drivers to speed.

Huntington Beach’s stretch of PCH is about half as long as Malibu’s. There were about 5 deaths along PCH in Huntington Beach between 2011 and 2023.

The Times’ article also points out that PCH is governed by Cal Trans, the statewide agency responsible for our freeways. Local authorities can provide input to how to increase safety along PCH, but ultimately Cal Trans has the final say. You can find the Times’ article here.

I have driven PCH many times myself. Whether in Malibu, or further south in Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, or San Clemente, it is one of the most beautiful roadways in the world. Be safe as you travel along this pristine oceanfront mini-highway.

If you have questions about a car or pedestrian accident, whether it happened on PCH or anywhere else in Southern California or Orange County, my office is ready to assist, 24/6.