Most Fatal Intersections in America (2026)

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.

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.

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

In comparison, the following table shows fatalities by crash type in Florida:

Florida Fatalities by Crash Type

 

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 Monthly Rates by State

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.

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.