Recently, Mr. Kim, a Korean-American who was driving with his child in LA’s Koreatown, narrowly avoided a major accident. As he approached an intersection with no traffic light, a speeding vehicle from the left entered the intersection without slowing down, passing directly in front of Mr. Kim’s car. Had they been any closer, it could have resulted in a severe accident. The mere thought of the incident still sends chills down his spine.

Last week, Ms. Lee was almost hit by a car that failed to stop while making a right turn as she was crossing a pedestrian crosswalk in LA. Similarly, Mr. Choi, who was driving near a park in LA in the evening, was alarmed when a homeless person suddenly darted into the road. Fortunately, he stopped in time, preventing a potential fatal accident.

Speeding and reckless driving have reached dangerous levels on LA roads, including in Koreatown, making it crucial for both drivers and pedestrians to exercise extra caution. These hazardous situations often lead to real accidents.

According to recent data released by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), between January 1 and August 24 this year, 209 people died in traffic accidents in LA. This represents a 3% increase from the same period last year, when 203 people died, and a 5% increase compared to the 199 deaths during the same period in 2022. Additionally, 999 people suffered serious injuries in traffic accidents during this period, up 1% from 988 in the same period last year, and up 3% from 967 in 2022. Last year, LA recorded its highest annual number of traffic fatalities, and at this rate, the number is expected to rise even higher this year. A statistical analysis website, Crosstown, reported that 337 people died in traffic accidents in LA last year, the highest number since LAPD started releasing public data in 2012. The traffic safety nonprofit organization SAFE also described it as the worst in 20 years.

In terms of specific police precincts, the Olympic Division, which covers Koreatown, reported 6 deaths and 37 serious injuries from traffic accidents this year, similar to last year's numbers. A recent fatal accident occurred on the morning of August 16, when a man was killed in a vehicle-pedestrian collision near the intersection of 5th and Western. Earlier, on June 22, a 26-year-old female pedestrian was killed in a hit-and-run near the intersection of Rosewood and Western, and on April 28, a man in his 60s was fatally struck in a hit-and-run near the intersection of Washington and Western.

The LAPD also analyzed intersections with the most traffic accidents in LA this year, with the intersection of 3rd and Vermont in Koreatown topping the list. Between January 1 and August 24, a total of 15 traffic accidents occurred at this location. The primary cause cited was “unsafe speed,” which refers not only to speeding but also to driving at a speed inappropriate for the road conditions.

Hit-and-run incidents remain prevalent. Between January 1 and August 24, LAPD recorded 2,307 hit-and-run cases, the same as during the same period last year, and 4% higher than the year before. Hit-and-run cases involving injuries or fatalities are classified as felonies.



<Hyungseok Han>