Daniel Carter | November 24, 2025 | Car Accidents near Fresno, CA
According to CBS News, Highway 99 is the most dangerous route in California. It accounts for roughly 400 crashes and 90 deaths annually. So what makes 99 so dangerous, and are there ways to avoid those dangers if you have to drive on the highway? Here’s what you need to know.
Factors That Make 99 So Dangerous
Highway 99 is one of the primary north-south routes running through Sacramento and Fresno. This means that it is a highly traveled route, both by passenger vehicles and commercial trucks.
Unsurprisingly, high traffic is a crucial factor in the accident statistics for this road. However, issues such as poor lighting and distracted driving also play significant roles.
Poor Lighting
Portions of Highway 99 are 100 years old. Unfortunately, like many older roads, these portions often don’t have overhead lights. This means long stretches of the highway are unlit at night.
Even worse, because these portions represent older sections of the highway, they often have tight lanes or no shoulders. That leaves drivers with little room to maneuver when a danger becomes apparent at night.
It’s best to avoid driving on 99 at night when you can. However, if that isn’t an option, you may want to drive slightly below the speed limit to give yourself more time to react to sudden danger.
Drunk Driving
Alcohol is a common contributing factor in accidents on Highway 99. This is particularly a problem on sections of the highway that have only one lane in each direction or with narrow lanes. There isn’t much space to avoid a drunk driver on those portions of the route.
If you suspect that someone is under the influence, you should immediately pull off the road and contact the police. It may slow down your trip, but it can increase the likelihood that you get where you are going safely.
Speeding
The general maximum speed limit on highways in California is 65 mph. Specific segments of Highway 99 are an exception, allowing a speed limit of 70 miles per hour. Despite the higher speed limit, people still regularly exceed it on the highway. That is dangerous on any highway, but particularly deadly on the twisting and narrow roads of 99.
Distracted Driving
Highway 99 is approximately 400 miles long. Many people who travel on this road use it for long-distance driving. When people are driving long distances, they often fall prey to distracted driving.
Someone driving a long distance may be distracted by:
- Changing the radio or music selection
- Food or drink
- Passengers in the car
- Text messages
Distracted driving accidents are most likely to occur along the rural stretches of the highway. In these areas, there is little of interest to keep a driver focused. These stretches often have no turns or buildings for dozens of miles.
Keeping your eyes and attention on the road is important for avoiding car accidents on any highway. It’s also key to leave plenty of space between your vehicle and the one in front of you, so you have time to act if another driver appears to be distracted.
Staying Safe On California Highways
While any road can present an accident risk in California, Highway 99 is the most statistically dangerous road in the state. It’s best to avoid taking this route whenever you can.
If you do need to travel on it, though, maintaining space between yourself and other vehicles and ensuring you don’t speed or drive distracted can help ensure you reach your destination safely.
Call Carter Law Group Today for a Free Consultation With a Fresno Car Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was injured in a crash on Highway 99 or any other California road, you may be entitled to compensation. At Carter Law Group, our Fresno car accident lawyers have the experience and resources to fight for your rights and hold negligent drivers accountable.
We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless we win your case. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you.
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2445 Capitol St #105, Fresno, CA 93721, United States
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