Petaluma Boulevard North and Lakeville Street lead with 42 crashes, primarily due to its proximity to the US-101 ramps and heavy commercial traffic, which contribute to frequent rear-end and side-impact collisions. East Washington Street and Petaluma Boulevard South is also considered a high-risk intersection, serving as a significant commercial corridor where traffic signal violations account for 33.97% of severe crashes. 

Petaluma’s Most Crash-Prone Roads and Corridors 

Petaluma’s major arterials and highway-adjacent roads handle significant commuter and commercial traffic, making them prone to accidents. The following roads, identified through SWITRS and Caltrans data, are the city’s most dangerous based on total crash counts, including property damage, injuries, and fatalities. 

Petaluma Boulevard North and Petaluma Boulevard South are the most crash-prone corridors due to their roles as primary arterials running through downtown and commercial areas, resulting in high volumes of both pedestrian and vehicle traffic. Additionally, there are a lot of collisions on East Washington Street, especially close to malls and US-101 interchanges. Rear-end collisions usually happen between 7 and 9 AM and 4 and 7 PM during rush hour. 



Reasons for Crashes in Petaluma 

High traffic loads, infrastructure issues, and human error all contribute to collisions in Petaluma. SWITRS data indicate that the following are the leading causes: 

• Speeding: Accounts for 27.4% of crashes, particularly on high-speed corridors like Petaluma Blvd N and Lakeville St, where excessive speed reduces reaction time. 
• Traffic Signal Violations: Responsible for 33.97% of severe crashes, especially at busy intersections like E Washington St & Petaluma Blvd S, often leading to T-bone collisions. 
• Right-of-Way Violations: Contribute to 23.72% of crashes, frequently involving pedestrians or cyclists in commercial areas. 
• Distracted Driving: A significant factor, with 24,611 improper turning-related injury crashes statewide in 2020 linked to distractions like texting or navigation use. 
• Alcohol Impairment: 9.62% of serious collisions are caused by alcohol impairment, especially on weekends when it is late (6 PM to midnight). 

Petaluma’s role as a commuter hub along US-101, combined with its busy downtown and commercial zones, exacerbates these issues. The Petaluma Police Department’s traffic enforcement, including DUI checkpoints, aims to mitigate these risks. Still, challenges like staffing shortages can limit effectiveness. 

Areas with the Most Fatal Crashes in Petaluma 

In Petaluma, fatal collisions frequently happen at junctions where cyclists and pedestrians are exposed to high speeds. According to SWITRS and FARS data, the following areas saw the most deadly crashes between 2020 and 2023. 

The two fatalities on US-101 and Lakeville Street, as well as Petaluma Boulevard North and Lakeville Street, were frequently caused by high-speed collisions or events involving pedestrians close to freeway ramps. Many of these fatalities are linked to contributing factors such as alcohol-related crashes, which account for 9.62% of severe incidents, and speeding, which is involved in 26% of fatal crashes. Similar to the statewide trend of 25% of road deaths involving pedestrians, Petaluma saw between 8 and 12 fatal wrecks throughout the reporting period, with pedestrians accounting for a sizable number of these incidents. 

Areas with the Most Serious Injury Crashes in Petaluma 

Serious (non-fatal) injury crashes, often involving pedestrians, cyclists, or high-speed collisions, are concentrated at key intersections and corridors. SWITRS data via TIMS highlights the following high-risk areas. 

Petaluma Boulevard North and Lakeville Street lead with 38 serious injury crashes, primarily driven by pedestrian and cyclist incidents near commercial zones and the US-101 corridor. East Washington Street and Petaluma Boulevard South also report high injury rates, mainly due to heavy traffic volumes and a significant number of signal violations, which account for 33.97% of severe crashes at the intersection. 



How to Stay Safe on Petaluma’s Roads 

• Obey Speed Limits: Speeding contributes to 27.4% of crashes. Stick to posted limits, especially near US-101 ramps and commercial zones. 
• Avoid Distractions: Keep your focus on the road, avoiding phones or navigation devices, particularly in pedestrian-heavy areas like downtown Petaluma. 
• Respect Traffic Signals: Traffic signal violations cause 33.97% of severe crashes. Stay alert at busy intersections like E Washington St & Petaluma Blvd S. 
• Never Drive Impaired: Alcohol is a factor in 9.62% of severe crashes. Use rideshare services or designate a sober driver, especially on weekends. 
• Plan for Congestion: Allow extra time during rush hours (7–9 AM, 4–7 PM) to avoid aggressive driving on busy roads like Petaluma Blvd N. 

Petaluma’s Roads Turn Dangerous 

The numerous busy roads and many intersections in Petaluma, as well as the development of some of our streets leading right to US-101, make it a challenging environment to drive in. Crashes that occur in this city can lead to dire consequences, and individuals who have been affected will have to work through potentially physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you or someone you know has been affected by a serious accident in Petaluma, there's compassion and expertise to support you in recovering and obtaining justice. Please continue to stay alert, drive defensively, and help us make Petaluma’s roads safer for everyone.