Most Fatal Intersections in America (2024)
Some of the most deadly intersections in the United States are located in New Jersey, Florida, and Missouri. Living in an area highly prone to accidents can cause your auto insurance rates to be higher. Learn how to avoid accidents and how much you might pay for coverage.
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Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
UPDATED: Sep 3, 2024
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Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Sep 3, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
Intersections can be dangerous to navigate. Countless car accidents occur at intersections throughout the United States, with more than 20% of fatal U.S. car crashes occurring at intersections.
From 2000 to 2019, there were almost 160,000 fatal crashes at intersections in the U.S. But studies show that not all intersections pose a risk for deadly accidents. In fact, when you analyze the numbers, fewer than one percent of all intersections in the U.S. has been the site of a fatal crash.
So what makes an intersection so deadly, and what should you do if you live in an area prone to fatal car accidents? Sometimes, the best thing you can do is remain focused when you’re behind the wheel.
- You can find fatal intersections at the crossing of a highway and a secondary road
- Most fatal intersections are in rural areas without a lot of heavy traffic
- Living near a place with more fatal car accidents could cause your auto insurance rates to increase
What are the most fatal intersections in the United States?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released information discussing the most fatal intersections in the U.S. based on data from 2000 to 2019. According to the NHTSA, the following intersections are among the most deadly in the country:
- Lalor Street and State Route 129 in New Jersey (nine fatalities)
- East Jersey Street and U.S. 1 & 9 in New Jersey (nine fatalities)
- Massachusetts Avenue and State Route 70 in New Jersey (eight fatalities)
- State Route 70, U.S. 41, State Route 45, and 14th Street West in Florida (seven fatalities)
- State Route 19 and State Route 40 in Florida (seven fatalities)
- State Route 360 and U.S. 287 in Texas (seven fatalities)
- Grand Boulevard and Montgomery Street in Missouri (seven fatalities)
- State Route 132, State Route 2019, and Knights Road in Pennsylvania (seven fatalities)
- East Grand Street and U.S. 1 & 9 in New Jersey (seven fatalities)
- State Route 46 and State Route 83 in Michigan (seven fatalities)
- Dug Hill Road and State Route 2 in Alabama (seven fatalities)
- Pierce Ferry Road and U.S. 93 in Arizona (seven fatalities)
- County Road 74 and State Road 31 in Florida (seven fatalities)
- Farm-to-Market 866 and State Route 32 in Texas (seven fatalities)
- Deen Still Road, State Route 33 Commonwealth Avenue in Florida (seven fatalities)
As you can see, the most dangerous intersections in America in terms of fatalities are located in New Jersey. Fatal accidents at intersections are more common in New Jersey and Florida than in any other state. While there’s no way to know how each deadly accident occurred, there are some similarities.
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What makes certain intersections more dangerous?
Studies suggest that the most deadly intersections are at the crossing of a highway and a secondary road. In addition, fatal accidents at intersections are typically in rural areas.
Since New Jersey and Florida have the most fatal crashes at intersections, analyzing each state’s statistics regarding fatal car crashes could be helpful.
Statistics specific to fatalities by crash type in New Jersey are as follows:
Fatalities by Crash Type in New Jersey
Crash Type 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Total Fatalities (All Crashes) 542 556 561 602 624
Single Vehicle 325 337 360 371 380
Involving a Large Truck 60 74 50 57 54
Involving Speeding 118 99 128 132 120
Involving a Rollover 77 68 86 83 72
Involving a Roadway Departure 254 234 242 280 266
Involving an Intersection (or Intersection Related) 182 185 210 213 197
In comparison, the following table shows fatalities by crash type in Florida:
Crash Type 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Involving a Large Truck 197 190 225 293 292
Involving Speeding 346 245 320 310 299
Involving a Rollover 431 371 481 573 538
Involving an Intersection 764 803 1,009 1,043 1,134
Involving a Roadway Departure 957 940 1,071 1,203 1,122
Single Vehicle 1,376 1,395 1,600 1,696 1,622
Total Fatalities (All Crashes) 2,403 2,494 2,938 3,176 3,112
In both states, fatalities at intersections are a considerable portion of the overall state car accident-related fatalities. All drivers must realize how fatal accidents occur and how to avoid them.
What should I do if I live near a deadly intersection?
If you live in an area prone to car accidents, and especially near one of the areas listed above, the best thing you can do is drive defensively.
Some of the best tips for defensive driving include:
- Considering safety first
- Paying attention to your surroundings
- Lowering your speed
- Avoiding distractions
Experts agree that distracted driving is the number one cause of car accidents. However, fatal accidents caused by distracted driving — like answering a text message or grabbing something out of the passenger seat — are ultimately preventable.
Anyone living in an area prone to automobile accidents should focus solely on driving and staying alert. Regardless of where you live, you should do your best to be a defensive driver when you get behind the wheel.
Does living in a dangerous area affect car insurance rates?
If you live in a dangerous area, there’s a chance you could end up paying more for your car insurance than if you lived in a safer part of town.
Auto insurance companies compile much of your personal information to decide how much you should pay for coverage. If you live in an area prone to car accidents, you may find that your rates are a bit higher than average.
However, your location isn’t the only factor that impacts your insurance rates. Some other common factors include:
- Age
- Gender
- Car make and model
- Credit score
- Driving history
- Marital status
It is difficult to find auto insurance at a reasonable price with a bad driving record.
The table below shows each state’s average monthly car insurance rates for a full coverage policy.
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Average Rates by State
State Monthly Rates
Alabama $105
Alaska $103
Arizona $112
Arkansas $116
California $140
Colorado $115
Connecticut $123
Delaware $156
Florida $142
Georgia $132
Hawaii $83
Idaho $77
Illinois $92
Indiana $92
Iowa $86
Kansas $111
Kentucky $145
Louisiana $173
Maine $80
Maryland $129
Massachusetts $101
Michigan $238
Minnesota $124
Mississippi $105
Missouri $102
Montana $107
Nebraska $104
Nevada $114
New Hampshire $86
New Jersey $138
New Mexico $105
New York $138
North Carolina $86
North Dakota $124
Ohio $82
Oklahoma $118
Oregon $102
Pennsylvania $112
Rhode Island $143
South Carolina $117
South Dakota $109
Tennessee $102
Texas $133
Utah $96
Vermont $93
Virginia $81
Washington $80
Washington D.C. $129
West Virginia $116
Wisconsin $94
Wyoming $104
If you carry a lower coverage level, like a liability-only policy, you may find that your monthly rates are lower than your state’s average. However, this also means you have less coverage.
Your auto insurance rates can rise unexpectedly. If you observe a spike in your rates, it might be due to residing in a high-risk ZIP code. To avoid overpaying for coverage, consider using autoinsurance.org to compare quotes from various insurance providers online. This way, you can ensure you’re getting the best possible rate.
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The Most Fatal Intersections in America: The Bottom Line
While it’s difficult sometimes to comprehend, certain areas in the U.S. are much more prone to fatal car crashes, and intersections are often the site of these occurrences.
In New Jersey and Florida, intersections pose a considerable risk as far as fatalities in a car accident. Unfortunately, Texas also has several fatal intersections.
If you reside near one of the deadliest intersections in America or are generally worried about safe driving, it’s crucial to recognize that most accidents can be avoided by taking appropriate precautions.
Prevent distracted driving and remain vigilant about your surroundings while driving. Should you observe an increase in your car insurance rates despite having a clean driving record, it might be wise to compare policies from other providers. Utilizing intersection accident statistics can also help you understand the risks associated with the intersection with the most accidents and take measures accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city has the most expensive commute in the United States?
Fremont, California, has the most expensive commute in the country.
How many cities out of the 10 with the most expensive commutes are located in California?
Five out of the 10 cities with the most expensive commutes are located in California.
Which state has the least expensive commute costs?
South Dakota has the cheapest commuting costs among the states.
What is the average travel time to work in San Francisco, California?
The mean travel time to work in San Francisco is 35 minutes.
How did COVID-19 impact commuting and work days?
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a decrease in commuting as more individuals began working from home. It also played a role in the Great Resignation, a trend where many people quit their jobs to explore new opportunities or start their own businesses. This shift impacted various aspects of daily life, including changes in traffic patterns and highway intersection usage.
How do commute costs affect personal time and savings?
Commute costs can consume a significant amount of time, money, and energy, impacting personal time and savings. Americans lose money on their commutes, and the costs vary depending on the state and city.
What is the most dangerous intersection in America?
The most dangerous intersection in America can vary depending on the source and the criteria used. However, historically, intersections like Roosevelt Boulevard and Adams Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and 8th Street and 6th Avenue in New York City have been noted for their high accident rates. Driving at intersections like these can be particularly risky, making them some of the most dangerous intersections in the country. These locations exemplify what is considered a dangerous intersection due to their frequent accidents.
How many intersections are there in the U.S.?
The precise count of intersections in the USA is not easily accessible, but it is known that there are hundreds of thousands of American intersections throughout the country, encompassing urban, suburban, and rural areas. This includes numerous uncontrolled intersections.
What is the most dangerous and costly type of accident?
The most dangerous and costly type of accident is often a head-on collision. Such accidents, especially at uncontrolled intersections, frequently result in severe injuries or fatalities and lead to high medical and repair costs. Accidents at intersections, particularly at dangerous intersections, are notably prone to these severe outcomes.
What percentage of all fatalities occur at intersections?
More than 20% of fatal car accidents in the U.S. happen at the most fatal intersections.
What percentage of accidents occur at intersections?
Intersections are the site of a significant number of accidents, with over 50% of all car accidents occurring at or near intersections.
Why are intersections dangerous for drivers?
Dangerous intersections, such as Lalor Street and SR-129, are among the deadliest types of intersections due to the high volume of conflicting traffic movements, including left turns, right turns, and straight-through traffic. The complexity of navigating through these movements, combined with potential distractions and failure to obey traffic signals, increases the risk of accidents. Warning signs of dangerous intersections, like those at Lalor Street and SR-129, highlight the importance of being cautious at these high-risk locations.
Why is Hoover Street dangerous?
Hoover Street, particularly in areas like Los Angeles, is known for being dangerous due to high traffic volumes, poor road conditions, and a mix of different types of road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
Why is U.S. 93 so dangerous?
U.S. 93 is considered dangerous due to its high speed limits, long stretches of rural highway with limited visibility, and a history of severe accidents involving high-speed collisions.
What are some of the deadliest types of intersections?
Some of the deadliest types of intersections include T-intersections, where vehicles may collide with cross traffic; intersections with poor visibility; and those involving multiple high-speed roads.
What are the top 10 most dangerous intersections in America according to State Farm?
State Farm’s list of dangerous intersections may vary, but commonly cited locations include intersections in heavily trafficked cities like Los Angeles, New York City, and Houston. For the most recent and accurate list, it’s best to consult State Farm’s latest reports or studies.
What are the top 10 worst intersections in America?
The top 10 worst intersections in the U.S. can differ depending on factors like accident frequency and severity. Historically, the most dangerous controlled intersections are often found in major metropolitan areas with high traffic congestion, which are also considered some of the busiest intersections in the U.S.
What are the busiest intersections in the U.S.?
Some of the busiest intersections in the U.S. include the intersection of Times Square in New York City, the intersection of 8th Street and 6th Avenue, and major interchanges in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago.
What is the biggest intersection in the U.S.?
The biggest intersection in the U.S. is often considered to be the interchange of the I-10 and I-405 freeways in Los Angeles, California, due to its size and complexity.
What is the deadliest intersection in America?
The deadliest intersection in America varies depending on the data source, but locations with high accident rates such as Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia are often cited.
What is a four-way intersection?
A four-way intersection is where two roads cross each other, forming four possible directions of travel: straight through, left turn, and right turn for each road.
What is a 10-way intersection?
A 10-way intersection is a complex and rare intersection involving ten different roads or traffic directions converging at a single point, which can be highly confusing and dangerous.
What are the most dangerous intersections in the U.S.?
Some of the most dangerous intersections in the U.S. are those with high traffic volumes, complex layouts, and poor visibility, such as Roosevelt Boulevard in Philadelphia and major intersections in New York City.
What are the most confusing intersections in the U.S.?
Some of the most confusing intersections include those with multiple entry and exit points, complex traffic signals, and confusing signage, such as the “Spaghetti Bowl” interchange in Las Vegas and certain rotary intersections.
What is the most dangerous intersection in the world?
The world’s worst intersection is frequently identified as the “Spaghetti Junction” in Birmingham, England, or the “World’s Most Dangerous Intersection” in the Philippines, both of which are known for their high accident rates and intricate designs. These lethal intersections are often considered among the worst intersections in America and globally due to their challenging layouts and frequent crashes.
Which state has the most dangerous intersection?
What are some of the deadliest types of intersections?
The most dangerous types of intersections in America are those with limited visibility, intricate multi-road junctions, and locations where high-speed roads cross lower-speed roads.
What is the definition of the dangers of intersections?
The dangers of intersections refer to the increased risk of accidents that occur where two or more roads cross each other. These risks stem from several factors:
- Conflicting Traffic Movements: Vehicles approach intersections from multiple directions, including straight, left, and right turns, which can lead to collisions if drivers do not yield or follow traffic signals correctly.
- Limited Visibility: Poor sightlines and obstructions, such as buildings or trees, can make it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles or pedestrians approaching the intersection.
- Complex Layouts: Intersections with multiple entry and exit points, unusual configurations, or high-speed roads intersecting with lower-speed roads can create confusion and increase the likelihood of accidents.
- Driver Distractions: Drivers who are distracted by phones, passengers, or other in-car activities may fail to notice changes in traffic signals or the presence of other vehicles, leading to collisions.
- Inadequate Traffic Control: Insufficient or malfunctioning traffic signals, signs, or road markings can lead to misunderstandings and errors in driving behavior, further increasing the risk of accidents.
Free Auto Insurance Comparison
Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Tracey L. Wells
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Tracey L. Wells is a licensed insurance agent and Farmers insurance agency owner with 23 years of experience. He is proud to be a local Farmers agent serving Grayson, Georgia and surrounding areas. With experience as both an underwriter and agent, he provides his customers with insight that others agents may not have. His agency offers all lines of insurance including home, life, auto, RV, busi...
Licensed Insurance Agent & Agency Owner
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.