Fresno highways carry an unbelievable amount of traffic each day. They are utilized by commuters, parents taking their kids to school, truck drivers, delivery drivers, and even a fair number of frantic rideshare drivers.
When everyone is paying attention and keeping speeds down, the accidents will be minimal. Yet, there are always distracted drivers looking at cellphones and drivers acting recklessly. Even safe drivers get forced into collisions, and sometimes, multi-car pileups. And with the speeds seen on local highways, collisions can carry enough force to endanger lives.
Maison Law of Fresno decided to collect the most recent data on highway accidents for a 2026 study. We determined the deadliest stretch of road in our area. It’s hoped that safe drivers will heed the warning about the danger and that careless drivers will think twice about their actions the next time they take an on-ramp.
The Fresno Highway That Claims the Most Lives Each Year
Highway 99 through Fresno and Fresno County is the most heavily traveled route in the area. It’s also the scene for the most serious accidents in Fresno. So, it’s a bit of a surprise that this highway doesn’t average the most lives claimed each year.
According to California Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) data, State Route 99 averaged 9.6 deaths a year over a five-year period (2020-2024). But Highway 180 turned out to be a much more deadly road over that time. It averaged 10.2 traffic fatalities over the five years examined.
In recent years, Route 180/Sequoia-Kings Canyon Freeway has cost more people their lives. Route 99 and Route 41/Yosemite Freeway aren’t far behind.
How Many People Lost Their Lives on Fresno Roads in 2025
Data for 2025 accidents in Fresno has just been released (as of April 2026), and it shows that the year before was a dangerous time for local motorists.
According to TIMS records, there were 822 accidents involving injuries on Fresno streets and highways in 2025. Those accidents led to at least 39 fatalities.
Note: These figures can and will change as new information from 2025 continues to be updated and entered throughout 2026.
As far as highway travel goes, Highway 99 had the most accidents involving injuries to report in 2025, with 256 incidents. The one bright spot is that as of April 2026, TIMS showed no record of any fatalities on the stretch through Fresno and Fresno County.
Route 180 saw 177 serious accidents for the year. It was also the scene for at least 3 heartbreaking deaths. Route 168 also recorded 4 deaths, although it was the route with the fewest accidents.
- I-5 doesn’t pass through Fresno, but it’s still a major route in Fresno County and the Central Valley. TIMS documented 102 serious accidents on the freeway and at least 5 fatalities.
Hoping for Safer Trips on Fresno Highways in 2026 and Beyond
If you suffer a serious injury anywhere in Fresno County, and a careless driver was at fault, a skilled lawyer can often protect your case and earn you more. With higher medical bills, insurers will try to blame you for what happened, no matter who the evidence points to. Your lawyer blocks these tactics and can also fight to get the maximum in support you’ll need to make a full recovery.
Contact Maison Law for a free, no-obligation consultation to see what your injury claim should be worth. Remember, if you end up needing the help of a Fresno Car Accident Lawyer, there’s no up-front cost to you. We don’t get paid unless we win your case. Then our fee comes out of the settlement check that a car insurance company must write for you.
