The Most Dangerous Intersections in Phoenix: Where Car Accidents Happen Most Often

Phoenix drivers know that traffic can be intense, and some intersections are especially hazardous.In fact, recent regional crash data has shown that many of the intersections with the highest collision counts in the Phoenix metro area are located within the city of Phoenix. Heavy traffic, high speeds, and reckless driving behaviors at these hotspots contribute to frequent crashes. If you’ve been in a car accident in Phoenix – especially at a busy crossroad – you’re not alone. This article examines Phoenix accident statistics, identifies the intersections with the most crashes, and offers practical safety tips and legal insights from experienced attorneys.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident at one of Phoenix’s dangerous intersections, it’s time to take action. Suzuki Law can work to ensure you get what you deserve. Contact us for guidance on your case or call us at (602) 610-0752 to discuss your situation today. Let’s work together to secure your financial future.

Phoenix Traffic Accident Statistics

Phoenix consistently ranks as one of Arizona’s most accident-prone cities. In 2022 alone, there were over 24,000 reported traffic collisions in the City of Phoenix. Statewide data from the Arizona Department of Transportation shows an even higher count for Phoenix when including all roadways, at approximately 38,000 crashes in 2022, the most of any city in Arizona. Tragically, 282 of those Phoenix crashes were fatal and about 28% (over 10,600) resulted in injuries. This means dozens of people are hurt in Phoenix traffic accidents every single day.

Why are intersections a key focus? Intersections are where a large share of accidents happen. According to regional crash statistics, around 60% of traffic-related injuries and 40% of crash fatalities occur at intersections. Intersections bring together traffic from different directions, so mistakes—like running a red light or failing to yield on a left turn—often lead to serious side-impact (“T-bone”) or head-on collisions. Phoenix’s sprawling layout and grid of wide, fast arterials mean many junctions see heavy congestion and high speeds, a dangerous combination.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Intersections in Phoenix

Not all crossroads are equal—certain Phoenix intersections have earned a notorious reputation for frequent crashes. Using crash data collected between 2018 and 2022, the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) identified the intersections with the highest collision totals. Here are some of the most dangerous intersections in Phoenix (with the number of crashes over that five-year period):

• 99th Avenue & Lower Buckeye Road – Over 400 crashes, the highest collision count in the region. This west Phoenix intersection, near busy warehouses and trucking routes, sees heavy commuter and commercial traffic.

• 67th Avenue & Indian School Road – 256 crashes. A major West Valley crossroads, known for its high traffic volume and a history of red-light running incidents.

• 67th Avenue & McDowell Road – 229 crashes. Another west-side intersection with constant traffic feeding to and from the I-10 freeway corridor.

• 27th Avenue & Camelback Road – 206 crashes. Located in a busy commercial area of Phoenix, this intersection has multiple lanes in each direction and heavy congestion.

• 83rd Avenue & Indian School Road – 187 crashes. A wide intersection in west Phoenix with a high volume of vehicles traveling between residential areas and shopping centers.

• 51st Avenue & Thomas Road – 181 crashes. This intersection in Maryvale handles a mix of local and cut-through traffic, contributing to frequent collisions.

• 51st Avenue & Camelback Road – 174 crashes. Straddling the Phoenix/Glendale border, this busy arterial crossing has seen many accidents, partly due to drivers rushing between the two cities.

• 75th Avenue & Indian School Road / 75th Avenue & McDowell Road – Each of these intersections saw well over 200 crashes in the five-year span. They are major junctions in west Phoenix where speeding and congestion often lead to accidents.

As the data shows, West Phoenix has a concentration of dangerous intersections – many along major roads like Indian School, Camelback, McDowell, Thomas, and 67th, 75th, 83rd, 99th Avenues. Drivers should take extra caution when traveling through these areas. It’s also telling that all of the top 10 high-risk intersections in Maricopa County are in Phoenix, highlighting how Phoenix’s urban traffic density impacts safety.

Why Are These Intersections So Dangerous?

Several factors make these Phoenix intersections especially prone to crashes:

• High Traffic Volume: Many of these junctions handle tens of thousands of vehicles per day. More cars and trucks mean more opportunities for collisions, especially during rush hour when everyone is on the road at once.

• Speeding and Red-Light Running: Phoenix drivers are often in a hurry. A recent study found vehicles in the Valley were speeding nearly 50% of the time. Intersections like 99th & Lower Buckeye or 67th & McDowell see frequent red-light running and speeding, leading to violent T-bone crashes.

• Wide, Multi-Lane Designs: Many Phoenix roads have multiple lanes in each direction plus dedicated turn lanes. While this moves a lot of traffic, it also creates long crossing distances. The more complex the intersection, the higher the crash risk.

• Driver Behavior and Negligence: Ultimately, driver error is a leading cause. Distracted driving (texting or looking at phones), impaired driving (alcohol or drugs), and aggressive maneuvers (tailgating, weaving) frequently contribute to intersection accidents. In Phoenix, a significant share of fatal crashes involve alcohol impairment.

City officials are aware of these dangers. In fact, Phoenix is considering bringing back photo enforcement cameras at 12 of its most dangerous intersections to deter red-light running. Previous photo enforcement programs in Phoenix were associated with a noticeable reduction in red-light-related crashes at monitored intersections.

Staying Safe at Dangerous Intersections

You can’t control other drivers, but you can adjust your own habits to navigate Phoenix’s hazardous intersections more safely. Here are some safety tips:

• Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions: Put down the phone and keep your eyes scanning the road. At intersections, watch for drivers who might run a red light or make an unexpected turn. Defensive driving is key – anticipate that another car might do something risky.

• Approach with Caution: Slow down as you approach a notoriously dangerous junction. If the light has been green for a while, be prepared for it to change. Cover your brake and be ready to stop if needed.

• Use Proper Following Distance: Rear-end collisions are common at intersections. Leave plenty of space between you and the car ahead, in case they brake suddenly.

• Be Careful on Left Turns: Many serious intersection crashes in Phoenix happen when a driver makes a left turn in front of oncoming traffic. Always double-check oncoming lanes before turning, even if you have a green arrow.

• Obey Traffic Signals and Laws: Come to a full stop at red lights and stop signs, yield to pedestrians, and don’t speed through yellow lights. Running a red light to save a minute isn’t worth risking a life.

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What to Do After a Car Accident in Phoenix

A crash at a busy intersection can leave anyone shaken and unsure of what to do next. Knowing the proper steps to take can protect your health, rights, and any future injury claim. Here’s what to do if you’re involved in a car accident in Phoenix:

1. Prioritize Safety and Call 911: First, check yourself and others for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call 911 immediately. If the vehicles are drivable, move out of the flow of traffic to a safe spot nearby to avoid secondary accidents.

2. Seek Medical Attention: If you or any passenger is injured, get medical help right away. Some injuries (whiplash, concussions, internal injuries) might not be obvious in the moment due to adrenaline.

3. Document the Scene: If you’re able and it’s safe, gather evidence at the crash scene. Take photos of the vehicles, damage, skid marks, traffic signals, and the overall intersection layout. Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved.

4. Talk to Witnesses: Busy intersections often have bystanders or nearby businesses that might have seen the crash. Third-party witness statements can be invaluable if there’s a dispute about who had the green light.

5. Notify Your Insurance Company: Most auto insurance policies require drivers to notify their insurer of an accident within a reasonable time, even though Arizona law itself does not set a specific reporting deadline. However, use caution in discussing details. Stick to the basic facts and avoid admitting any fault.

6. Consult a Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer: Especially if you were injured or fault is being contested, speaking with an experienced car accident lawyer in Phoenix is highly advisable. Most personal injury lawyers offer free consultations.

By following these steps, you’ll be in a better position to recover physically and financially from an accident. Arizona is an at-fault state for car accidents, meaning the driver who caused the collision is liable for damages.

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How a Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Car crashes at intersections often lead to complex insurance claims. There may be disagreements about who had the right-of-way or whether a traffic signal was red or green. Here’s how a Phoenix car accident attorney can assist you:

• Investigation and Evidence Gathering: Skilled attorneys know how to investigate intersection accidents thoroughly. They can obtain police reports, seek out surveillance or traffic camera footage, and work with accident reconstruction experts to piece together exactly what happened.

• Determining Liability: Arizona follows a comparative negligence rule, meaning each party’s share of fault can affect their compensation. A lawyer will work to prove the other party’s negligence was primarily responsible.

• Dealing with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters may pressure you to give a statement or accept a quick settlement. A lawyer acts as your advocate, handling all communication with insurers and negotiating aggressively to seek a fair settlement that covers all your damages.

• Litigation and Trial Representation: Most car accident claims settle out of court, but if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair amount, a lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf.

Importantly, hiring a lawyer lets you focus on your recovery while they handle the legal battle. Arizona’s statute of limitations for personal injury is generally two years from the accident. A competent Phoenix accident lawyer takes that burden off your shoulders and works to maximize the compensation you receive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the most dangerous intersections in Phoenix?

A: According to recent data, some of the most dangerous intersections in Phoenix include 99th Avenue & Lower Buckeye Road, 67th Avenue & Indian School Road, 67th Avenue & McDowell Road, 27th Avenue & Camelback Road, and 83rd Avenue & Indian School Road. These locations saw the highest number of crashes over a five-year period. In fact, 99th Ave & Lower Buckeye alone had over 400 accidents, the most in the region.

Q: Why do so many accidents happen at intersections in Phoenix?

A: Intersections combine cross-traffic, turning vehicles, and often pedestrians – creating a lot of conflict points. In Phoenix, factors like speeding, running red lights, and unsafe left turns are major contributors. Many Phoenix intersections are wide with multiple lanes, which can encourage speeding and make it challenging to see all oncoming traffic.

Q: How can a Phoenix car accident lawyer help me after an intersection accident?

A: An experienced Phoenix car accident lawyer will investigate the accident thoroughly, help establish fault by analyzing evidence, handle all communication with insurance companies on your behalf, and negotiate for fair compensation to cover medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. If the insurance company won’t offer a reasonable settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and advocate for you in court.

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In conclusion, driving in Phoenix requires vigilance, especially at its most accident-prone intersections. Knowing where crashes happen most often – and why – can help you take precautions. But if you do fall victim to a collision, remember that you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. With strong data, careful driving, and the support of a knowledgeable legal team, you can travel the roads of Phoenix more safely and ensure that if an accident does occur, you’re prepared to handle it with confidence.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident at one of Phoenix’s dangerous intersections, it’s time to take action. Suzuki Law can work to ensure you get what you deserve. Contact us for guidance on your case or call us at (602) 610-0752 to discuss your situation today. Let’s work together to secure your financial future.

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