As residents of Pasadena, Alhambra, Altadena, and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley prepare for barbecues, family gatherings, and weekend getaways, it’s easy to overlook the dangers that come with the holiday. Yet Memorial Day weekend is consistently one of the deadliest times of the year for car accidents in California and across the country.
At Doyle Accident & Personal Injury Attorneys, we’ve helped countless victims and families whose holiday plans were tragically interrupted by devastating collisions. This article breaks down the facts, offers safety tips, and explains what to do if you or a loved one is injured in a Memorial Day crash.
Why Memorial Day Weekend Is So Dangerous for Drivers
Memorial Day is not just a day off — it’s a high-traffic, high-risk holiday weekend that typically sees a dramatic spike in car accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
Traffic Volume Surge
According to AAA, more than 42 million Americans traveled over Memorial Day weekend in 2023 — the highest number in nearly 20 years.³ California freeways like the I-210, I-10, and CA-134, which serve as major arteries for Pasadena, Alhambra, and Arcadia, often become gridlocked with holiday travelers.
Increased congestion means more:
- Stop-and-go traffic
- Impatient drivers
- Rear-end collisions
- Lane-change accidents
Drunk and Impaired Driving
Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that about 40% of all fatal crashes over Memorial Day involve alcohol-impaired drivers.¹ In California, DUI checkpoints are frequently set up in cities like Pasadena and El Monte to catch impaired drivers — but many still slip through.
Fatigue and Distractions
Long road trips and hot weather can contribute to driver fatigue, a factor in thousands of crashes annually. Add in distractions like texting, navigation apps, or unruly kids in the back seat, and the danger increases.
Why Memorial Day Weekend Is So Dangerous for Drivers
Here in the San Gabriel Valley, our roadways are a mix of urban streets, neighborhood zones, and freeways. This diversity brings a range of crash risks during Memorial Day weekend:
- Altadena: Narrow, hilly residential roads are prone to speeding accidents.
- Pasadena: Areas near Colorado Blvd., the Rose Bowl, and Old Town see spikes in pedestrian and bicycle accidents during events and parades.
- Alhambra & Monterey Park: Intersections like Atlantic Blvd. and Valley Blvd. become hotspots for red-light and T-bone collisions.
- Arcadia & Sierra Madre: Holiday traffic to parks and outdoor attractions can lead to fender-benders in parking lots and driveways.
The Human Cost: Statistics Tell the Story
- In 2022, Memorial Day weekend saw over 450 traffic-related deaths nationwide, per the NSC (National Safety Council).²
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported more than 1,000 DUI arrests statewide during the 3-day weekend.
- In Los Angeles County, Memorial Day is often among the top three holidays for car crash fatalities.
What You Can Do to Stay Safe
Here are proactive steps to reduce your risk this Memorial Day:
Plan Ahead and Leave Early
Avoid peak travel times (Friday afternoon and Monday evening). Try leaving Thursday or early Friday morning, and return before Monday rush hour.
Avoid Alcohol if You’re Driving
Even a single drink can impair your judgment. Designate a sober driver or use a ride-share service like Uber or Lyft.
Buckle Up — Always
Seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% for drivers and front-seat passengers. It’s your best line of defense in a crash.
Watch Your Speed
Speeding is a leading cause of fatal crashes, especially on winding roads through Altadena and La Cañada Flintridge.
Eliminate Distractions
Put the phone on “Do Not Disturb” mode and let passengers handle navigation. Your eyes should be on the road — not on Instagram.
What to Do If You’re Injured in a Crash Over Memorial Day Weekend
If you or a loved one is injured in a car accident this Memorial Day weekend:
- Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
- Exchange information and document the scene — photos, names, license plates, and witness info.
- Avoid admitting fault, even casually.
Call an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Why Choose Doyle Accident & Personal Injury Attorneys?
We understand the unique traffic patterns, legal system, and medical networks of the San Gabriel Valley. Whether your accident happened on the 210 near Pasadena or in a residential neighborhood in Alhambra, we are local, experienced, and ready to fight for you.
Call us at (626) 737-0036 for a free consultation.
We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve — for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
