Philips ConnorStatistics are interesting; they can help make sense of even the most senseless data. The most dangerous intersections in America are so named because of the high frequency of incidents that occur on them.
Intersections all over the world are somewhat dangerous; vehicles changing directions, paths, and roads tend to pose a risk to other road users. However, these particular roads have been noted to be very prone to incidents; some of them resulting in fatalities.
Deadliest Intersections In The USA
1. US-98 and Carl Hudson Rd. (SR-63)
This intercection is in George, Mississippi, and has seen 8 recent fatalities.
2. US-287 and Texas 360 Toll
This intersection is located in Ellis, Texas, and has seen 7 recent fatalities.
3. SR-129 and Lalor St. (CR-650)
This intersection is located in Mercer, New Jersey, and has seen 7 recent fatalities.
4. White Horse Rd. (US-25) and Farrs Bridge Rd. (SR-183)
This intersection is located at Greenville, South Carolina, and has seen 6 recent fatal crashes.
5. Street Rd. (SR-132) and Knights Rd. (SR-2019)
This intersection is located at Bucks, Pennsylvania, and has seen 6 recent fatal crashes.
6. US-83 and 247th Ave. (SR-23)
This intersection is located at Ward, North Dakota, and has seen 6 recent fatal crashes.
7. SR-13 and SR-123
This intersection is located at Polk, Missouri, and has seen 6 recent fatal crashes.
8. US-72 and SR-7
This intersection is located at Benton, Mississippi, and has seen 6 recent fatal crashes.
9. S. Oglesby Rd./Phoenix Bypass Rte. (SR-85) and W. Broadway Rd.
This intersection is located at Maricopa, Arizona, and has seen 6 recent fatal crashes.
10. US-19 and Robert C. Byrd Dr. (SR-16)
This intersection is located at Fayette, West Virginia, and has seen 5 recent fatal crashes.
Other dangerous intersections and their locations include:
11. US-90 and FM 1413 – Liberty, Texas
12. SR-302 and FM 866 – Ector, Texas
13. Kermit Hwy. (SR-115) and FM 181 – Andrews, Texas
14. US-17 and SR-537 – Horry, South Carolina
16. Fording Island Rd. (US-278) and Okatie Hwy. (SR-170) – Beaufort, South Carolina
17. US-20 and SR-109 – Fulton, Ohio
18. Woodhaven Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue – Queens, New York
19. John D. Rockefeller Memorial Hwy. (SR-70) and Massachusetts Avenue – Ocean, New Jersey
20. Blue Star Memorial Hwy. (US-301) and Ruthsburg Rd. (SR-304) – Queen Anne’s, Maryland
21. Branch Ave. (SR-5) and Earnshaw Dr. (CR-2951) – Prince George’s, Maryland
22. Lexington Rd. (US-60) and Pisgah Pike (SR-1967) – Woodford, Kentucky
23. US-95 and Nez Perce Road – Nez Perce, Idaho
24. Commonwealth Ave. N (SR-33) and Deen Still Road – Polk, Florida
25. US-19 and Belleair Road – Pinellas, Florida
26. Okeechobee Blvd. (SR-704) and Jog Road – Palm County, Florida
27. E. Colonial Dr. (SR-50) and Old Cheney Highway – Orange, Florida
28. SR-40 and SR-19 – Marion, Florida
29. US-301 and Sun City Center Blvd. (SR-674) – Hillsborough, Florida
30. Ponce De Leon Blvd. (US-98) and Citrus Way (CR-491) – Hernando, Florida
31. SR-11 and CR-304 – Flagler, Florida
32. Century Blvd. (US-29) and SR-97 – Escambia, Florida
33. Blanding Blvd. (SR-21) and I-295 – Duval, Florida
34. US-27 and Griffin Road Broward – Florida
35. Imperial Highway and Downey Avenue – Los Angeles, California
36. Central Avenue and 120th Street – Los Angeles, California
37. US-65 and SR-35 – Chicot, Arkansas
38. SR-347 and Maricopa Road – Maricopa, Arizona
39. Indian School Road and 59th Avenue – Maricopa, Arizona
Summary
The most dangerous intersections in the USA are not commonly as a result in some flaws in their design or construction, they are mostly the ones with the unfortunate ill-luck to have the most careless drivers using them. It is important to be alert when using these intersections and their adjoining roads.
Intersections are among the most dangerous parts of a roadway system due to the complexity of interactions between vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. Here are the main reasons intersections are dangerous:
1. Conflict Points
Intersections create multiple “conflict points” where vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists can cross paths. These include:
Crossing paths (e.g., left turns across traffic)
Merging/diverging lanes
Turning movements (left/right turns across pedestrian walkways or oncoming traffic)
2. Driver Error
Common driver errors that increase risk include:
Failure to yield the right-of-way
Running red lights or stop signs
Distracted driving
Misjudging other vehicles’ speed or intentions
3. Limited Visibility
Visibility can be reduced due to:
Large vehicles blocking views
Poor lighting at night
Weather conditions
Obstructions like trees, poles, or parked cars
4. High Complexity
Drivers must process multiple cues:
Traffic signals or signs
Other vehicles’ movements
Pedestrians and cyclists
Lane markings and signage
This cognitive load can lead to mistakes or delays in reaction time.
5. Speed Differentials
Vehicles may approach at different speeds, especially if the intersection involves roads of different classifications (e.g., a highway and a local street), increasing the chance of high-impact collisions.
6. Pedestrian and Cyclist Vulnerability
Intersections are often shared with pedestrians and cyclists, who are much more vulnerable in collisions. Right or left-turning vehicles may fail to notice them.
7. Aggressive or Impatient Driving
Drivers may try to “beat the light,” make rolling stops, or rush through yellow signals, all of which increase crash risks.
8. Inadequate Signage or Road Design
Poorly designed intersections, unclear signage, or malfunctioning signals can confuse drivers and contribute to accidents.
To counter all these factors, drivers must stay on high alert when driving on intersections, or when using highways.