Key Takeaways:
- 73rd Avenue and International Boulevard is the most dangerous intersection in Oakland.
- Oakland’s intersection crash rate is 18.52% lower than the average of California cities.
- The city’s fatal injury rate for intersection crashes is 31.19% lower than the cross-city average and the serious injury rate is 8.60% lower than the cross-city average.
Oakland, situated on the San Francisco Bay, is a city known for its vibrant culture, busy port, and diverse population. As a major economic and transportation hub in the region, Oakland experiences heavy traffic flow, especially at its many intersections.
In this analysis, we examined crash data from the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), which was cleaned and geocoded by the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) from 2020 to 2024 to identify Oakland’s 10 most dangerous intersections. We also compare the city’s proportion of intersection-related crashes with that of other major California cities and provide a breakdown of crash severities.
This report focuses on crashes involving injuries, as reported or suspected, excluding minor incidents without reported injuries. By highlighting these high-risk intersections, we aim to draw attention to the critical safety concerns and areas in need of further infrastructure improvements.
Ranking Intersections by Danger Score
The intersections listed below are ranked according to their “danger score,” which is based on the total number of crashes over a five-year period, adjusted by the severity of the crashes. More severe incidents contribute more to the final danger score, highlighting areas where the potential for harm is higher.
The most dangerous intersection in Oakland is located at 73rd Avenue and International Boulevard, with 23 crashes and a danger score of 37. Close behind, Harrison Street and 12th Street ranks second with 28 crashes and a danger score of 36, making it another key area for safety improvements. In third place, Northgate Avenue and 27th Street recorded 27 crashes and a danger score of 35.
Oakland’s Intersection Crash Rate vs. Other California Cities
This section examines how Oakland’s intersection crash rate compares to those in other California cities.
The average intersection crash rate across all studied California cities is 37.16%, while Oakland’s rate of 44.05% is about 18.52% higher.
Crash Severity Distribution
Finally, we categorize intersection crashes by severity into four groups: fatal, serious, minor, and possible injuries.
Oakland’s intersection fatality rate is 4.06%, which is 31.19% lower than the average of 2.34%. The serious injury rate is 6.98%, falling 8.60% below the average of 9.20%.
For other injury types, minor injuries account for 23.35% of intersection crashes, while possible injuries make up 68.06%.
Conclusion
Overall, Oakland’s intersection crash data shows positive signs. The city’s intersection crash rate is lower than the average of California cities, and its fatal and serious injury rates are notably lower than the cross-city average. While these findings are encouraging, they highlight the need for ongoing efforts to improve traffic safety. Targeted infrastructure improvements, such as better traffic signalization, enhanced pedestrian safety features, and increased law enforcement, are crucial steps toward further reducing the risk of accidents for Oakland’s residents. If you were injured, contact our Oakland personal injury lawyers today.
Methodology
Using data from the the Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), which was cleaned and geocoded by the Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) from 2020 to 2024, this study focused on incidents where an injury was reported or suspected. Minor crashes without injury reports were not included in the dataset.
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