Temecula's 10 Most Accident Prone Intersections

A recent study named the most dangerous and safest cities for California drivers.

Overall, more populated cities with more young drivers and rainy days tended to be more dangerous. Good news for Temecula residents with just over 100,000 residents and a shortage of rain (until last year). In fact, Temecula ranked as the 5th safest city in California (for cities with at least 100,000 residents).

However, that doesn’t mean drivers should get too comfortable. Temecula is also a city with many visitors, young and old- wine drinking ones at that. And with the drought winding down, Temecula experienced more rain fall than the previous five years.

Perhaps you heard of some of these most recent and tragic Temecula car accidents:

• 70-year-old drunk driver pleads guilty to killing motorcyclist in head-on collision
• Major-injury crash on I-15 involving motorcyclist and two large vehicles
• Women ejected, killed after crashing into a tree

And the latest breaking news: Temecula man flies plane in wrong direction, lands in a Los Angeles business parking lot, suspicion of DUI.

Given these serious and tragic accidents, Temecula car accident attorney Scott Liljegren- also responsible for the larger study- recently identified 25 of the most dangerous intersections around the city. Below are the top 10 most dangerous:

1. RT 15 at Rancho California Rd.
2. RT 15 at Winchester Rd.
3. RT 15 at Temecula Pkwy.
4. RT 15 at Santiago Rd.
5. RT 15 at RT 79
6. Winchester Rd. and Ynez Rd.
7. Jefferson Ave. and Winchester Rd.
8. Bedford Ct. and Temecula Pkwy.
9. Rt. 15 at Overland Dr.
10. Roripaugh Rd. and Winchester Rd.

It’s hard to miss a few repeat offenders: I-15, Winchester and Temecula Pkwy. Drivers should always exercise caution and obey safety laws like wearing seat belts and staying within speed limits; however, this list can hopefully serve as an important reminder for frequent visitors of these accident hot spots.

To make this list, Liljegren analyzed more than 1,000 accidents recorded by the California Highway Patrol (CHP) in 2015. CHP responded to 92 accidents with 58 injures at the I-15 at Rancho California; 70 accidents and 29 injuries at the I-15 at Winchester; and 62 accidents with 23 injuries at the I-15 at Temecula Pkwy.

Almost all accidents and tragic fatalities are avoidable, including the specific aforementioned examples. Obviously, the drunk driver and pilot are willingly placing others and themselves in immense and immediate danger. California also has more registered motorcycles than any other state with almost 800,000 as of 2013. It’s imperative motorcyclists and regular drivers always remain cautious of their surroundings and thoroughly check mirrors before switching lanes- especially as lane-splitting remains legal across the state. Finally, the woman who died after being ejected was not wearing a seat belt; police later told reporters it likely would have saved her life in this particular crash.

Just because Temecula may be one of the safest cities to drive in, doesn't mean preventive safety measures go out the window. Remain alert, set positive examples for younger drivers and be cautious if you frequent one of Temecula's most dangerous intersections.

To view the entire California study visit: California’s Most Dangerous and Safest Cities for Drivers.