Are Poorly Designed Intersections Costing Lives?
Every driver has experienced a confusing or dangerous intersection — lanes that don’t line up, signals that don’t make sense, or blind corners that force risky decisions. But beyond frustration, these poorly designed intersections can have deadly consequences. According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), more than 25% of all traffic fatalities in the United States occur at or near intersections. The design of these intersections often plays a larger role in crashes than driver error alone.
Why Intersection Design Matters
Manhattan Beach Pedestrian Deaths and DUI Crashes on PCH / Sepulveda Boulevard
Manhattan Beach, CA – The stretch of Sepulveda Boulevard (Pacific Coast Highway/PCH) between Artesia Boulevard and 9th Street has become one of the most dangerous roadways in the South Bay for pedestrians and drivers. Over the past six months, this corridor has seen multiple fatal crashes, including three pedestrian deaths and a suspected DUI collision, raising urgent concerns among residents and safety advocates.
⚠️ May 3, 2025 – Fatal Suspected DUI Crash on Sepulveda Blvd
At approximately 12:45 a.m. on Sunday, May 3, a pedestrian was fatally struck in the area of Sepulveda Boulevard and Duncan Place. According to the Manhattan Beach Police Department (MBPD):
-
Officers found the victim lying on the roadway next to the suspect’s vehicle.
-
The driver remained on scene and was suspected of being under the influence.
-
The pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene.
This incident is being investigated as a DUI-related fatality.
🟥 April 19, 2025 – Fatal Hit-and-Run on PCH at Ocean Avenue in Torrance
Just two weeks prior, on April 19, a separate fatal hit-and-run occurred on Pacific Coast Highway at Ocean Avenue in Torrance, resulting in the death of a pedestrian.
According to the Torrance Police Department:
-
Officers responded to reports of a person down in the roadway.
-
The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.
-
The suspect vehicle fled and has not yet been located.
The incident remains under investigation, and authorities urge any witnesses to come forward.
This highlights a growing regional problem across South Bay cities, with dangerous driving behaviors contributing to pedestrian fatalities on major corridors like PCH.
💥 Other Major Pedestrian Fatalities on Sepulveda Blvd
December 16, 2024 – Pedestrian Killed Near 9th Street
A 72-year-old man, Michael Kawasaki, was struck and killed in the 900 block of Sepulveda Blvd. The driver stayed on scene and cooperated with police.
January 7, 2025 – Fatal Hit-and-Run Near Longfellow Drive
In a hit-and-run crash on the 300 block of Sepulveda Blvd, one person was killed and another critically injured. The suspect was later apprehended.
📉 Why Sepulveda Boulevard Is So Dangerous
1. Hilly Terrain with Limited Visibility
Sepulveda Blvd features steep hills, with intersections like 9th Street and Duncan Place located at hill crests or bases, which significantly limits driver line of sight. Drivers may not see pedestrians or vehicles until it’s too late.
2. Poor Lighting and Infrastructure
Lack of pedestrian lighting, unmarked crosswalks, and minimal safety buffers increases the risk of night-time accidents.
3. High Speeds and Traffic Volume
Though the posted limit is 40–45 mph, many drivers exceed this, especially at night. Coupled with limited visibility, this creates extremely hazardous conditions.
4. Multiple Business Entrances
The corridor is lined with businesses and driveways, causing sudden stops and turns that add to collision risk.
🚔 City Response: Plans to Improve PCH Safety
The City of Manhattan Beach is reviewing multiple safety upgrades, including:
-
Improved street lighting
-
Raised medians for pedestrian refuge
-
DUI checkpoints and increased patrols
📝 Summary: Recent Fatal Incidents (Nov 2024 – May 2025)
| Date | Location | Type | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 3, 2025 | Sepulveda & Duncan Place (MB) | Suspected DUI | 1 pedestrian fatality |
| Apr 19, 2025 | PCH & Ocean Ave (Torrance) | Hit-and-run | 1 pedestrian fatality |
| Jan 7, 2025 | Sepulveda & Longfellow (MB) | Hit-and-run | 1 fatality, 1 critical injury |
| Dec 16, 2024 | Sepulveda & 9th Street (MB) | Pedestrian struck | 1 fatality |
🚶 Safety Tips for South Bay Drivers and Pedestrians
Pedestrians:
-
Cross only at signalized or marked crosswalks
-
Avoid distractions like smartphones and headphones
Drivers:
-
Obey posted speed limits
-
Be vigilant in low-visibility zones
-
Never drive under the influence
-
Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and driveways
Don't drive in the far right lane
Don't park on PCH
⚠️ Final Thoughts
With multiple pedestrian deaths across Manhattan Beach and Torrance in just a few months, Sepulveda Boulevard and PCH are proving increasingly deadly. Local governments, police departments, and residents must act now to enhance safety and hold reckless drivers accountable before more lives are lost.
Top 10 Causes of Death Ages 15–29
Young adulthood is often considered a healthy stage of life, but people between 15 and 29 still face serious health and safety risks. The World Health Organization (WHO) and national health agencies show that many of these deaths are preventable, often tied to behavioral choices, environmental hazards, or gaps in healthcare access. One of the most striking insights is that many tragedies occur in everyday environments—on the road, in schools, in communities—where better planning, awareness, and intervention could save lives. Below are the top 10 causes of death in this age group, with an emphasis on prevention strategies.
1. Road Traffic Injuries
Road traffic injuries remain the leading cause of death for people ages 15–29. Young drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians are disproportionately represented in crash statistics due to inexperience, speeding, distraction, and impaired driving. A large portion of these accidents occur at road intersections, where multiple lanes of traffic meet and decision-making must be fast and precise. Poorly designed intersections without adequate signals or pedestrian crosswalks increase the risks even further. In cities worldwide, intersections account for a high share of serious crashes, making them a critical focus for traffic safety. Preventing these deaths requires stricter enforcement of seat belt and helmet laws, effective intersection design (roundabouts, protected left turns, pedestrian signals), and education campaigns that emphasize safe driving habits.
2. Suicide
Suicide is one of the top causes of death among young adults, often linked to stress, depression, anxiety, and social pressures. The late teenage years and twenties are a time of major transitions—college, employment, financial independence, and relationships—that can intensify emotional strain. Stigma surrounding mental health prevents many from seeking help. Prevention strategies include improved access to mental health care, school- and workplace-based counseling, crisis hotlines, and campaigns to normalize seeking support. Friends and peers also play a role by recognizing warning signs and encouraging intervention.
3. Homicide and Violence
Violence is another leading killer of young people, especially males. Causes range from gang conflicts and community violence to domestic disputes. Firearms are involved in a large share of homicides among this age group, particularly in regions with high crime rates. Prevention strategies must combine stronger law enforcement with community programs that address root causes such as poverty, lack of education, and unemployment. Safe public spaces, after-school programs, and mentorship opportunities also reduce risk by giving youth alternatives to violence.
4. Drug Overdoses
Drug use—particularly opioids—has emerged as one of the fastest-growing threats to young adults. Experimentation often begins in late adolescence, but misuse of prescription painkillers, fentanyl, heroin, and stimulants leads to thousands of deaths annually. In the U.S., overdose has become one of the top three causes of death in this age range. Public health strategies focus on awareness campaigns, harm reduction programs (like naloxone distribution), treatment access, and stricter monitoring of prescription drugs. Addressing underlying issues such as unemployment, trauma, and mental illness is also essential.
5. HIV/AIDS and Infectious Diseases
Despite medical advances, HIV/AIDS continues to be a major cause of death among people aged 15–29, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Many young people lack access to testing, treatment, and prevention tools. Tuberculosis and other infectious diseases also claim lives in areas with weak healthcare infrastructure. Education about safe sexual practices, expansion of antiretroviral therapy, and vaccination campaigns can significantly reduce deaths. Global programs that target young populations specifically have already demonstrated progress, but continued investment is needed.
6. Drowning
Drowning is a preventable but persistent cause of death among young adults. Risk factors include poor swimming ability, alcohol consumption near water, and unsafe recreational practices. In many regions, natural bodies of water lack signage, lifeguards, or barriers to prevent accidents. Education in water safety, teaching swimming from an early age, and enforcing rules on alcohol use around water are effective preventive measures. Urban planning also plays a role—better lighting and fencing around canals, lakes, and reservoirs can reduce risks.
7. Non-Communicable Diseases
While often associated with older adults, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers are increasingly affecting young people. Risk factors include sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. In some countries, obesity rates among young adults are rising rapidly, leading to earlier onset of chronic conditions. Prevention depends on education about nutrition and exercise, access to affordable healthcare, and public health policies like restrictions on tobacco and sugary drinks.
8. Maternal Conditions
For women ages 15–29, pregnancy-related complications remain a leading cause of death worldwide. Many fatalities result from inadequate prenatal care, unsafe abortions, or lack of skilled attendants during childbirth. In low-income countries, maternal mortality is especially high due to weak healthcare systems. Expanding access to reproductive healthcare, ensuring safe deliveries, and promoting family planning services can save thousands of young women each year.
9. Cancer
Certain cancers disproportionately affect young adults, including leukemia, lymphoma, testicular cancer, and cervical cancer. Lack of early detection and delays in diagnosis often worsen outcomes. Prevention includes HPV vaccination programs, cancer screening for high-risk groups, and education about recognizing symptoms. Expanding affordable access to treatment is also critical, as many young adults struggle with the costs of care.
10. Respiratory Infections
Lower respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, remain deadly for young adults in some regions, particularly where malnutrition and poor living conditions are prevalent. Limited access to antibiotics and healthcare facilities increases mortality rates. Vaccination, improved sanitation, and stronger health systems can greatly reduce these deaths. Although more common among children and older adults, respiratory infections still rank in the top causes for young people in vulnerable populations.
Regional Variations
The leading causes of death vary across regions. In high-income countries, suicide, overdoses, and road traffic injuries dominate. In lower-income nations, infectious diseases, maternal conditions, and road accidents (especially at poorly managed intersections) are more prevalent. Recognizing these differences allows policymakers to prioritize resources and interventions effectively.
Policy Implications
Governments play a central role in reducing mortality among young adults. Stronger traffic laws, intersection redesigns, public health campaigns, and improved access to mental health services all contribute to lowering death rates. Collaboration between public health agencies, law enforcement, and education systems creates stronger prevention frameworks. International partnerships also matter, as many causes—like infectious diseases and drug trafficking—cross borders.
What Young Adults Can Do
Personal responsibility is just as important as public policy. Young adults can:
-
Drive carefully and avoid distractions, especially at intersections where crashes are most likely.
-
Reach out for help if experiencing mental health struggles.
-
Avoid risky behaviors like unprotected sex, binge drinking, or drug experimentation.
-
Prioritize exercise, healthy eating, and preventive checkups.
-
Learn life-saving skills such as CPR, first aid, and water safety.
Making safer choices empowers individuals to reduce risks while broader systems continue to improve.
Conclusion
The top 10 causes of death among people ages 15–29 show that youth does not guarantee immunity from health risks. Road traffic injuries—especially those occurring at intersections—lead the list, followed by suicide, violence, overdoses, and infectious diseases. Most of these deaths are preventable with stronger policies, better healthcare access, and informed personal choices. By combining infrastructure improvements, mental health support, substance abuse prevention, and education, societies can protect young lives. For individuals, awareness and proactive action provide the best defense. A healthier, safer future for young adults is possible when both communities and governments treat these risks with urgency.
Chicago Traffic Fatalities Chart 2018-2014
Chicago City Council Committee Considers Lowering Speed Limits, Expanding Traffic Camera Enforcement
Tragic Johnny Gaudreau Bike Crash on Pennsville Auburn Road Raises Concerns About Road Safety
This accident is part of a troubling pattern on this stretch of road, known for its narrow lanes and limited visibility. Local residents have long expressed concerns about the safety of cyclists and pedestrians, urging authorities to take action.
Past Incidents and Calls for Safety Improvements
In addition to this recent tragedy, Pennsville Auburn Road has been the site of several other serious incidents over the years. The mix of residential areas and busy throughways has made it a hotspot for accidents, particularly those involving speeding and distracted driving.
Residents are calling for improved lighting, better signage, and the introduction of dedicated bike lanes. The hope is that this high-profile incident will lead to meaningful changes that can prevent future tragedies.
Conclusion
The loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present on certain roads. As the investigation continues, the community hopes that this tragedy will lead to enhanced safety measures on Pennsville Auburn Road and similar roadways across the region.
Map & List of U.S. Cities With Bike Sharing Programs
Pedestrian Fatalities National Map
No One Driving Tesla in Fatal Crash - Map of Location in Texas
SPRING, Texas (KTRK) -- Two people died in a fiery crash involving a 2019 Tesla Model S and its autopilot functionality while taking it for a test drive on Saturday night, according to authorities.
Constable Mark Herman said one person was found in the front passenger seat and another in the back seat. Both died in the fire.
The flames reportedly took hours to extinguish, and Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman said the investigation has led them to believe that there was no one driving the car when the crash occurred.
The crash happened just after 9 p.m. on Hammock Dunes Place in the Carlton Woods Creekside subdivision. The victims were said to have been two men who were 59 and 69 years old, however police have not released their names yet.
No One Driving Tesla in Fatal Crash - Map of Location in Texas from r/SelfDrivingCars
700 Pedestrians Die Every Day Wordwide
We talk a great deal about how cars congest our cities and pollute the atmosphere. We talk less about how they keep killing and injuring people simply trying to get from A to B on two feet.
Lately, our auto industry conversation about road safety has been dominated by visions, sold by Silicon Valley, of vehicles that minimize or even eliminate the need for input from a fallible human driver. Every year, more cars come armed with “pedestrian detection and avoidance” systems; soon, these systems will likely be standard issue. And not long after that, we are promised, sensors and self-improving algorithms will take over the driving process altogether, eliminating human error from roads and ushering in a new golden age of safety for all their users, whether or not they’re cocooned by a car’s steel frame. Since 2017, General Motors, the US’s largest car manufacturer, has claimed that it is developing self-driving vehicles in the service of a “triple-zero” world: zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion.
Car companies swear they are here to help – by selling us products that hardly ever hit anyone or anything. But the truth is that this promise is, at best, a distraction. In fact, much of our discourse around cars, self-driving or otherwise, is less about transforming the status quo than maintaining it, obscuring paths to progress exactly when we need them most, and leaving pedestrians right in the line of fire.
Ask a room full of road safety experts what is causing pedestrian fatalities to increase and most will admit that, well, they are not exactly sure. Every time a car hits a pedestrian, it represents the intersection of a vast number of variables. At the level of those involved, there is the question of who is distracted, reckless, drunk. Zooming out, there are factors such as the design and condition of the road, the quality (or absence) of a marked pedestrian crossing, the speed limit, the local lighting, the weight and height of the car involved. In a crash, all these variables and more converge at high speed in real-world, non-laboratory conditions that make it hard to isolate the influence of each variable.
How to Find Dangerous Intersections in Your City (Video)
How to Choose a Truly Safe Car: Four Things to Look Out For
How Many Accidents Occur at Stop Sign Intersections?
National statistics reveal that one-third of all intersection crashes in the United States occur at stop sign controlled intersections – approximately 700,000 crashes annually. And more than 40% of fatal crashes that take place each year happen at stop sign intersections.
- Common reasons why people run stop signs include:
- Inattention
- Impatience
- Failure to come to a complete stop, referred to as a rolling stop
- Obstructed view
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Reckless driving
- Driving under the influence.
Most Dangerous Intersections in California
A new study shows the most dangerous intersections in California that have 10 or more accidents, injuries, or fatalities. based on motor vehicle collision data from 2015. There were 444 total intersections ranked from the 435,000 compiled collision records, according to the data by Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS).
In total, there were 7,294 crashes, 7,478 injuries, and 57 fatalities. The average number of accidents per dangerous intersection was 16.43 and for injuries, it was 16.84. The City of Sacramento had the second-highest total number of dangerous intersections (13) trailing only Los Angeles (221), which is a noticeable difference. Estey & Bomberger created the map and correlated the data.
We took the intersections and added them to our map of over 9,000 locations Nationwide. Do a search for "California" and you will find these ranked locations.
Fatal Car Accidents at Intersections in Florida Heatmap
| Florida Fatal Car Accidents Heatmap |
Fatal Car Accidents at Intersections Heatmap Reported to FARS
| Fatal Car Accidents at Intersections Heatmap Reported to Federal Accidents Reporting System (FARS) from 2010-2015 |








