Staying Safe While Walking: Why Some Crosswalks Are More Dangerous Than Others

Santa Ana is a bustling city with busy neighborhoods, a pedestrian-friendly downtown, and diverse communities. For pedestrians, however, some intersections and crosswalks in Santa Ana aren’t just inconvenient, they’re downright dangerous.

Whether it’s speeding drivers, limited visibility, or outdated infrastructure, certain intersections have become hotspots for pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one were hit while walking or jogging in Santa Ana, you need to understand why these areas are so dangerous—and how to protect your legal rights after an accident.

Below, our injury attorneys discuss why some Santa Ana crosswalks and intersections are more dangerous than others, identify local problem areas, and explain how victims can pursue a legal claim after a pedestrian accident in Santa Ana.

Santa Ana’s Pedestrian Problem

Santa Ana ranks among the worst cities in Orange County in terms of pedestrian-related accidents and deaths. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, the city records hundreds of pedestrian collisions each year, with a significant number happening in crosswalks.

A few factors create this high number of pedestrian accidents:

High traffic volume
Dense residential/commercial areas
Insufficient pedestrian safety measures
Distracted/aggressive driving

Pedestrians in crosswalks are typically obeying the law and doing their part to stay safe. Yet, they are still injured or killed due to the failure of the motorists and the city’s infrastructure. This raises the question of why crosswalks—intended to make it safer for pedestrians—are becoming death traps.

Factors that Make Some Crosswalks Riskier Than Others

1. Poor Lighting and Visibility

Crosswalks with inadequate lighting can be nearly invisible after dark. This issue is particularly dangerous along roads with heavy or fast-moving traffic or where a crosswalk isn’t located at a light.

In Santa Ana, crosswalks and intersections at McFadden Avenue and Harbor Boulevard have been subject to a higher-than-average rate of nighttime accidents.

The main issues were poor visibility of the crosswalks and pedestrians on the road, combined with inconsistent street lighting.

2. Absence of Pedestrian Signals

Santa Ana has many older intersections that lack proper pedestrian walk signals, countdown timers, or flashing beacons. When drivers and pedestrians aren’t sure if they have the right of way, it creates the perfect scenario for a collision.

3. High-Speed Zones

Speeding is a significant issue in the community, and crosswalks along major corridors like Bristol Street, First Street, and Edinger Avenue face the problem of motorists going too fast. Even if a pedestrian is in the legal right of way, they can get struck if a car doesn’t have enough time to brake.

4. Multi-lane Roads

Crosswalks on multi-lane roads are particularly dangerous for pedestrians because drivers on one side of the road may stop while the driver in the next lane may not see the person walking and continue driving.

The “double threat” caused by multiple lanes often results in severe injuries to the pedestrian and could leave them lying in the middle of the road, vulnerable to other passing drivers.

5. Driver Failure to Yield

California state law mandates drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks—but too many don’t. In busy Santa Ana residential neighborhoods, impatient or distracted drivers often speed through crosswalks and endanger pedestrians.

Dangerous Santa Ana Intersections for Pedestrians

Certain intersections in Santa Ana are repeatedly identified as high-risk areas for pedestrians. Although any crosswalk can become dangerous, crash data and resident feedback identify the following areas as hot spots:

Bristol Street & McFadden Avenue – A high-traffic intersection with a heavy flow of vehicles and pedestrians
1st Street & Harbor Boulevard – This intersection has confusing signals and a high volume of pedestrians.
Main Street & 17th Street – One of the busiest intersections in the city and often cited in crash reports
Flower Street & Civic Center Drive – This area, near city government buildings, is prone to heavy foot traffic from both pedestrians and distracted commuters
Edinger Avenue & Fairview Street – Fast-moving traffic with poor visibility of individual lanes is a recipe for foot-traffic danger.

If you were hurt at or near any of these intersections, you are not alone and are likely entitled to compensation.

Who’s at Fault in a Crosswalk Accident?

In many crosswalk accidents, the driver is at fault due to:

Failure to yield the right of way
Running a red light or stop sign
Speeding/reckless driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs
Driving distracted (texting, etc.)

In some cases, however, other parties may be liable, including:

Santa Ana city government, for defective intersections, malfunctioning signals/signage, or a lack of safety measures.
Construction companies, if temporary crosswalks are unsafe, unmarked, or blocked by equipment.
Property owners, if landscaping, signage, or vehicles on their property block driver visibility.

A knowledgeable personal injury attorney will investigate the crash, gather evidence, and identify all responsible parties.

Damages Injured Pedestrians Can Pursue

Injured pedestrians may be entitled to substantial compensation, including:

Medical bills (past and future)
Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Physical therapy/rehabilitation
Property damage (if any)

In the unfortunate event of a fatality, surviving family members may also pursue a wrongful death claim.

What to Do After a Crosswalk Accident in Santa Ana

Call 911 – Request medical help at the scene and police assistance to file a crash report with the Santa Ana Police Department.
Document the Scene – Take pictures of the crosswalk area, traffic signals/crosswalk markings, vehicle damage, and your injuries.
Get Medical Treatment – Even if you don’t feel injured, seek medical attention to rule out concussions and soft-tissue damage.
Collect Witness Info – Names, phone numbers, and witness statements can make a big difference in your case.
Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters – Insurance companies are not on your side. Consult an attorney before speaking.
Call a Santa Ana Pedestrian Accident Lawyer – The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better your chances of recovering full damages.

How a Santa Ana Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Can Help

Crosswalk accident cases are not always cut and dry. Liability can be disputed, injuries may be long-term or hard to prove, and insurance companies often attempt to shift blame to the injured pedestrian.

An experienced local attorney will:

Investigate the incident, including requesting traffic camera footage and witness statements.
Consult with accident reconstruction experts.
Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies.
Handle the paperwork, deadlines, and medical billing.
Take your case to court, if necessary.

Santa Ana attorneys are also familiar with the city’s court system, infrastructure issues, and other local factors that impact pedestrian safety.

The Final Verdict: Crosswalk Accidents are Not an Accident

Crosswalk accidents aren’t the result of a tragic accident. They are the result of a combination of driver negligence and city infrastructure that doesn’t account for pedestrian safety. Santa Ana has done a great job in addressing some of these issues, but has more work to do.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crosswalk, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.

Hit in a Crosswalk in Santa Ana? We Can Help

Our injury attorneys represent pedestrian accident victims throughout Santa Ana and fight for the justice and compensation they deserve. Whether the incident occurred at a dangerous intersection or in a crosswalk near your home, we’re ready to stand up for your rights.