Common Causes of Car Accidents in San Bernardino

Common Causes of Car Accidents in San Bernardino, CA

From the daily rush along the 215 Freeway to neighborhood shortcuts through Del Rosa and Muscoy, driving in San Bernardino can feel like a challenge even on a good day. With its mix of heavy commuter traffic, high-speed interchanges, and aging local roads, this Inland Empire city sees a troubling number of car accidents each year. Whether it’s a minor fender bender on Highland Avenue or a serious crash near the I-10/215 interchange, the consequences can be life-changing.

At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we’ve worked with countless San Bernardino residents who were injured through no fault of their own. Understanding the most frequent causes of collisions in our area is more than just informative. It’s essential for protecting your rights and building a strong personal injury claim if you’ve been hurt.

In this guide, we’ll explore the leading reasons car accidents happen in San Bernardino, the roads and conditions that contribute to these incidents, and what you can do if you find yourself the victim of another driver’s negligence.

1. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the most common and dangerous causes of crashes in San Bernardino. Whether a driver is texting, using a GPS, eating, or reaching for something in the back seat, any activity that takes their eyes off the road or hands off the wheel can lead to a collision.

Hotspots for distracted driving accidents include:

• Downtown corridors like 5th Street and E Street
• Intersections near San Bernardino Valley College
• Congested retail areas along Hospitality Lane

In just a few seconds of distraction, a driver can rear-end another vehicle, miss a red light, or strike a pedestrian.

2. Speeding

Speeding is a factor in many serious collisions throughout San Bernardino. Drivers often exceed posted limits on major highways and city streets, increasing the risk of losing control or causing high-impact crashes.

Problem areas include:

• Interstate 10, where drivers regularly travel over 70 mph
• State Route 210, especially during off-peak hours
• Local streets like Baseline or Mt. Vernon Avenue, where speed limits change quickly

Speeding reduces reaction time and increases stopping distance, making it much more likely that a crash will occur.

3. Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

San Bernardino has one of the highest rates of DUI arrests in the region, and alcohol- or drug-impaired drivers continue to be a major hazard on local roads. DUI-related crashes often involve head-on collisions, sideswipes, or vehicles running off the road.

High-risk zones include:

• Nightlife districts and areas near bars or casinos
• Freeways like the 215 and 210 late at night or during holidays
• Long residential corridors with few stop signs

Even small amounts of alcohol or cannabis can impair reaction time and judgment behind the wheel.

4. Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

San Bernardino intersections can be particularly dangerous when drivers ignore traffic signals or signs. Whether from distraction, impatience, or inexperience, running a red light can result in devastating T-bone or side-impact crashes.

Accident-prone intersections include:

• Waterman Avenue at Baseline Street
• Highland Avenue at Del Rosa Drive
• Mt. Vernon Avenue near the I-10 overpass

These crashes often happen at full speed and can leave victims with serious head, neck, and internal injuries.

5. Unsafe Lane Changes

Improper lane changes on the freeway and even in residential areas can cause multi-car accidents. Merging without signaling, cutting someone off, or not checking blind spots can lead to sideswipe collisions and chain-reaction crashes.

Common locations for these crashes include:

• The merge between I-10 and I-215
• The 3-lane transition zones on the 210 Freeway
• Congested school zones and shopping areas

Motorcyclists and smaller vehicles are especially at risk when a driver doesn’t see them during a lane change.

6. Tailgating and Aggressive Driving

Tailgating often leads to rear-end collisions, particularly in stop-and-go traffic during rush hour. Aggressive driving behavior, such as weaving between lanes, speeding up to block another driver, or brake-checking, puts everyone at risk.

Known hot zones for aggressive driving include:

• University Parkway during campus hours
• Hospitality Lane during evening commutes
• Highland Avenue and State Street during rush hours

Rear-end crashes caused by tailgating are a leading source of whiplash and spinal injuries.

7. Poor Road Conditions and Maintenance Issues

While driver error is the main cause of most car accidents, poorly maintained roads also contribute to many crashes. In San Bernardino, potholes, uneven pavement, missing signage, and broken traffic lights are common in older neighborhoods and less-traveled areas.

Trouble spots include:

• Cajon Boulevard and other industrial zone roads
• Construction-heavy routes like Orange Show Road
• Dimly lit intersections with malfunctioning signals

In some cases, local or state agencies may be liable for failing to maintain safe roads.

8. Weather and Environmental Hazards

Though Southern California is known for sunny skies, weather still plays a role in local accidents. Rain, wind, fog, and even sun glare can impair visibility and road traction.

Hazards include:

• Slippery curves on the 210 Freeway during rainstorms
• Debris blown onto roads from nearby mountain areas
• Glare-related collisions during sunrise and sunset on east-west routes like 40th Street

Drivers are legally expected to adjust their behavior based on road and weather conditions.

What Should You Do After a Crash Caused by Another Driver?

If you’ve been injured in a crash on San Bernardino roads, the most important step is to protect your health and legal rights. That means:

• Calling 911 and getting a police report
• Seeking medical attention even if you feel okay
• Documenting the scene with photos and witness info
• Avoiding statements to insurance adjusters without legal advice
• Contacting a car accident lawyer as soon as possible

The cause of the crash will determine who is at fault and how much compensation you may be owed. Whether it’s a distracted driver on Baseline or a speeding car on the 215, you shouldn’t have to carry the burden of someone else’s carelessness.

Let Countrywide Trial Lawyers Investigate Your Case

When you’re recovering from a car accident in San Bernardino, the last thing you need is to battle insurance companies alone. At Countrywide Trial Lawyers, we step in immediately to handle the investigation, gather evidence, and build a strong case for full compensation. Our team knows the streets of San Bernardino, understands how local crashes happen, and has the courtroom experience to take your case as far as needed.

Call us today for a free consultation — we proudly serve San Bernardino and nearby communities like Rialto, Highland, Colton, Redlands, and beyond.