Beware: Some Dangerous Intersections in the United States

Take Lalor Street in New Jersey, for example, or East Jersey Street, both of which have seen their fair share of fatal crashes. New Jersey, with its dense population and high traffic volume, is home to several deadly intersections notorious for frequent accidents. But it’s not just New Jersey—major cities across the country, from Los Angeles to Miami, have intersections with troubling accident rates, often leading to costly auto insurance claims and, more tragically, the loss of lives.

But what exactly makes certain types of intersections more dangerous than others? Is it poor design, reckless driving, or simply bad luck? This article takes a closer look at the deadliest intersections in major U.S. cities, uncovering what makes them so dangerous and how drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can stay safe. Whether you’re navigating the daily commute or simply crossing the street, knowing which intersections to approach with extra caution could mean the difference between an uneventful trip and a fatal crash.

What Makes an Intersection Dangerous?

Data from the National Safety Council (NSC) lists speeding, failure to yield, careless or improper lane usage among leading driver-related factors in fatal crashes. Still, some intersections see far more crashes than others, and there are common reasons why.

Traffic volume and congestion

More vehicles passing through means more chances for collisions. Major city intersections are often packed with commuters, delivery trucks, public transportation, and pedestrians, all moving at different speeds and in different directions. Rush hour congestion makes matters worse, as impatient drivers try to beat traffic lights, make last-minute lane changes, or inch forward aggressively, increasing the likelihood of rear-end crashes. In heavily populated areas like New York City and Los Angeles, intersections are not just places where cars meet—they’re battlegrounds for space. The constant stop-and-go motion, combined with drivers rushing to make a light or change lanes, creates prime conditions for fender-benders and more serious crashes.

Poor design and visibility issues

Some intersections have awkward angles, obstructed sightlines, or confusing lane markings, making it difficult for drivers to react in time. Unclear right-of-way rules and inconsistent traffic signals also lead to misjudgments and sudden stops, catching drivers off guard. T-intersections and five-way crossings can be particularly confusing, forcing drivers to make quick decisions in high-stress situations. Poorly placed signs, overgrown trees blocking traffic lights, or faded road markings add to the confusion, leaving both locals and out-of-town drivers vulnerable to mistakes. In some older cities, roadways were not originally designed for modern traffic demands, and as populations grew, intersections became congested death traps rather than smooth-flowing traffic control points.

High-speed zones and multiple road merges

When fast-moving traffic from highways or major streets feeds into an intersection, the risk of high-impact crashes grows. Drivers exiting a highway may misjudge their speed or fail to yield when merging onto a busy urban street, resulting in dangerous T-bone or rear-end collisions. High-speed zones near intersections also make it difficult for drivers to react in time if the light suddenly changes or another driver fails to yield. In wide intersections with multiple lanes, a single driver misjudging the flow of traffic can trigger a chain-reaction accident. Expressway exits that merge into intersections without enough warning are especially dangerous, forcing last-second braking and swerving that can lead to rollovers or multi-car pileups.

Pedestrian and cyclist risks

Many intersections lack proper pedestrian crossing signals or designated bike lanes, making them hazardous for non-drivers. In cities like Chicago and San Francisco, where walking and cycling are common, many major intersections double as pedestrian hubs. When crosswalk timing is too short or vehicles fail to yield at turns, pedestrians and cyclists are placed in direct danger. Distracted driving, combined with jaywalking or reckless cycling, significantly increases the chances of accidents. Some pedestrians step into crosswalks while looking at their phones, unaware of turning vehicles, while cyclists may miscalculate gaps in traffic or ride against the flow, putting them at risk of side-impact collisions. In bicycle-heavy cities like Portland, cyclists frequently find themselves navigating through intersections not designed with them in mind, leading to unnecessary risks.

Distracted and reckless driving

Texting while driving, running red lights, and aggressive driving habits contribute heavily to intersection crashes. A split-second distraction, such as checking a phone notification or adjusting the radio, can mean the difference between stopping safely at a red light or slamming into another vehicle or pedestrian. Reckless behaviors, like speeding through a yellow light or making sudden lane changes, further increase the risk of collisions. Intersection accidents are often severe because they frequently involve T-bone crashes, where one car is hit directly on the side, leaving little protection for drivers and passengers. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2023 alone, 1,086 people were killed in crashes involving red-light running, the majority of which occur at intersections. Even drivers who think they’re just “beating the light” can cause devastating wrecks, all because of one reckless decision.

The 10 Most Dangerous Intersections in Major U.S. Cities

A note on this list: The intersections named here have been widely reported as dangerous high-crash locations based on historical data from sources like local traffic studies and media reports. However, traffic patterns and safety conditions change over time. The ranking of a specific intersection can vary from year to year based on new infrastructure, enforcement, and traffic volume. This list aims to illustrate the types of problematic intersections found across the U.S., rather than providing a definitive, current national ranking.

1. Atlantic Ave & Flatbush Ave – New York City, NY
Located in Brooklyn, this intersection is a chaotic mix of cars, buses, and pedestrians. Heavy foot traffic, frequent jaywalking, and aggressive driving make it a hot spot for accidents. The combination of multiple lanes and confusing signals contributes to rear-end collisions and pedestrian injuries.

2. Slauson Ave & Western Ave – Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is known for its traffic congestion, and this intersection in South LA is one of its most dangerous. Speeding is a major issue, and left-turn collisions are frequent. With inadequate pedestrian crossings and heavy commuter traffic, accidents here often result in severe injuries.

3. Bissonnet St & Wilcrest Dr – Houston, TX
This intersection has been named one of Texas’s deadliest due to its high number of crashes. A mix of residential and commercial traffic creates congestion, and reckless driving makes conditions worse. Despite traffic lights and signage, many drivers ignore the rules, leading to frequent red-light violations.

4. Stony Island Ave & South Chicago Ave – Chicago, IL
This intersection on the South Side of Chicago is known for its dangerous high-speed crashes. With multiple lanes merging and frequent sudden stops, collisions are common. Pedestrians also face significant risks due to limited crossing options.

5. NW 79th St & NW 27th Ave – Miami, FL
Miami’s fast-paced traffic makes intersections particularly hazardous, and this one is among the worst. High accident rates involving pedestrians and cyclists have been reported. The lack of designated bike lanes and frequent traffic signal violations make it a deadly spot.

6. Roosevelt Blvd & Red Lion Rd – Philadelphia, PA
Roosevelt Boulevard has long been known as one of the most dangerous roads in America, and this intersection is particularly deadly. High-speed traffic, multiple lanes, and red-light runners create a hazardous environment.

7. Lyndale Ave & Lake St – Minneapolis, MN
One of the busiest intersections in Minneapolis, this spot is a danger zone for both cars and pedestrians. High accident rates are linked to left-turn crashes and reckless speeding.

8. Canal St & St. Charles Ave – New Orleans, LA
A mix of tourist traffic, streetcars, and local commuters makes this one of the most unpredictable intersections in the U.S. The frequent stop-and-go traffic and poor visibility create a high risk of collisions.

9. Cesar Chavez St & Mission St – San Francisco, CA
Known for aggressive driving and a high rate of pedestrian accidents, this intersection has been flagged for safety improvements multiple times. The hilly landscape and sharp turns also make it difficult for drivers to navigate safely.

10. Central Ave & Indian School Rd – Phoenix, AZ
This intersection experiences a high number of T-bone crashes due to reckless left turns. Pedestrians are also at risk due to the lack of proper crossing signals.

Why These Intersections Are So Deadly

A pattern emerges when looking at the most dangerous intersections in the U.S.

• High traffic volume: Many of these intersections are in large cities with dense populations
• Poor urban planning: Some areas have outdated road designs that haven’t adapted to growing traffic
• Speeding issues: Intersections connected to highways or major roads tend to have more severe crashes
• Lack of pedestrian safety measures: Many locations lack adequate crosswalks, pedestrian bridges, or bike lanes

Understanding these patterns can help drivers and city planners improve road safety.

Legal & Safety Considerations for Drivers & Pedestrians

For drivers, the key to staying safe at intersections is to always approach them with caution, regardless of whether you have the right of way. Many accidents occur because drivers assume others will follow traffic laws, but it’s always best to be defensive. Before making a left turn, checking blind spots is crucial to avoid colliding with another vehicle, cyclist, or pedestrian who may be in your path. Additionally, eliminating distractions is essential—texting, adjusting your GPS, or even changing the radio station while approaching an intersection can lead to delayed reactions, increasing the risk of a serious accident.

For pedestrians and cyclists, following traffic rules can mean the difference between a routine crossing and a dangerous encounter. Always use designated crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals to minimize risks. Since drivers may not always be paying attention, making eye contact with them before stepping onto the road ensures that they see you. Another critical safety measure is avoiding headphones or any other distractions while walking or biking through intersections, as being fully aware of your surroundings can help you react to unexpected dangers.

To improve traffic safety and enforcement, many cities have installed red-light cameras at high-risk intersections to catch violators who speed through signals. These automated systems have been effective in reducing red-light running and preventing intersection crashes. 

Additionally, pedestrian countdown timers have been introduced in many areas, giving people a clearer indication of how much time they have to cross safely. Some cities are even experimenting with AI-powered traffic control systems that analyze congestion in real-time and adjust traffic signals accordingly to reduce delays and improve overall intersection safety.

What Cities Are Doing to Improve Intersection Safety

Several cities are making efforts to reduce intersection-related accidents.

• New York City: Vision Zero initiative aims to eliminate traffic deaths through better street design and enforcement
• Los Angeles: Installing more pedestrian scramble intersections, where all traffic stops to allow safe crossings
• Chicago: Adding protected left-turn lanes and updating traffic signals
• Miami: Implementing more pedestrian overpasses and improved bike lanes
• San Francisco: Lowering speed limits and increasing red-light camera enforcement

Additionally, many cities now use advanced data analytics to identify and prioritize high-risk intersections for safety upgrades. While these efforts are helpful, individual responsibility remains crucial in preventing accidents.

How to Stay Safe at High-Risk Intersections?

For drivers, reducing speed when approaching busy intersections is one of the simplest but most effective ways to prevent accidents. High-traffic areas often have vehicles merging from secondary roads, pedestrians crossing unpredictably, and cyclists navigating through lanes of traffic, all of which increase the risk of accidents.

Sudden stops or quick lane changes can catch other drivers off guard, leading to rear-end collisions or sideswipe crashes. Always signal properly before making a turn, especially in areas with limited access where unexpected merges can happen. In cities like Las Vegas and New Jersey, where major roads intersect with local streets, being mindful of oncoming traffic and pedestrian movement is critical to avoiding collisions.

For pedestrians, waiting for the walk signal—even when no visible traffic is present—is essential. Some intersections may have blind spots or speeding cars that are not immediately noticeable. At night, using well-lit crosswalks increases visibility and helps drivers spot pedestrians from a distance, reducing the chance of an accident. Special caution is needed at intersections known for red-light violations, where reckless drivers may try to beat a signal change. Streets like Pierce Ferry Road, which see higher speeds and frequent lane changes, pose an increased risk of accidents for both drivers and pedestrians. The New Jersey Department of Transportation has identified several intersections where the number of fatal crashes is disproportionately high, highlighting the dangers of assuming other road users will always follow the rules.

Taking extra precautions at busy intersections can prevent serious injuries and legal complications. Whether you’re navigating a bustling city intersection or a secondary road leading into high-speed traffic, staying alert and following safety protocols can significantly reduce the risk of accidents for everyone on the road.

Conclusion: Awareness Is the Key to Saving Lives

Intersections are among the most dangerous places on the road, with high traffic volumes, complex right-of-way rules, and unpredictable driver behaviors, making them prime locations for collisions. Understanding which intersections pose the greatest risk and why can empower drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to navigate them more safely. The 10 deadliest intersections highlighted in this article serve as reminders that certain roadways demand extra caution. By recognizing the factors that contribute to these high-risk areas—whether it’s poor design, high speeds, or reckless driving—everyone on the road can take proactive steps to reduce the risk of accidents and prevent life-altering crashes.

Preventing intersection-related fatalities and injuries requires a combination of responsible driving, improved city planning, and increased awareness from all road users. Cities across the country are implementing red-light cameras, pedestrian countdown timers, and AI-powered traffic systems to improve safety, but these measures alone aren’t enough. Drivers must remain attentive, avoid distractions, and respect traffic laws, while pedestrians and cyclists should take extra precautions when crossing busy intersections.

If you’ve encountered dangerous intersections in your city or have experienced a close call at a particularly hazardous crossing, we encourage you to share your story in the comments. Your insights and experiences can help others stay alert and may even encourage local governments to take action in improving intersection safety. Awareness and knowledge save lives, and by staying informed, we can work together to make our roads safer for everyone.

At YourAccident.com, we are committed to supporting accident victims by connecting them with trusted resources and experienced legal representation. If you’ve been injured in an intersection accident, navigating the aftermath of a crash can be overwhelming—especially when dealing with insurance companies, medical bills, and lost wages. Deciding whether to settle or proceed to trial is a critical choice, and having the right legal guidance can make all the difference in ensuring you receive fair compensation and the justice you deserve. With a skilled team by your side, you can confidently address the complexities of your claim, knowing you have support and expertise every step of the way. Let us help you take the next step toward recovery and resolution, ensuring your rights and well-being are protected.