License to Kill

An ongoing CalMatters investigation examines how the state of California routinely allows dangerous drivers with horrifying histories to continue to operate on our roads. Too often they go on to kill. Many keep driving even after they kill. Some go on to kill again.

The toll is measured in bodies. More than 20,000 people died on the roads of California from 2019 to early 2024. Alcohol-related roadway deaths in California have shot up by more than 50% in the past decade — an increase more than twice as steep as the rest of the country.

Despite the mounting death toll, state leaders have shown little willingness to address the issue.

Part 1

License to Kill

Part 2

They were convicted of killing with their cars. No one told the California DMV

Part 3

15 DUIs, still driving: California’s failure to take repeat drunk drivers off the road

Part 4

40,000 people died on California roads. State leaders looked away

Part 5

How a speeding ticket can be worse than killing someone with your car in California