What are the 10 Most Dangerous Intersections in Phoenix, AZ?

Phoenix, AZ, faces significant traffic safety challenges that demand urgent attention. The city’s rapid growth has led to increased traffic congestion, contributing to a rise in accidents at various intersections. Addressing these high-risk areas is crucial for enhancing road safety and reducing the number of traffic-related injuries and fatalities.

Recognizing the most dangerous intersections in Phoenix can help prioritize improvements and allocate resources effectively. Here are the top 10 most dangerous intersections in Phoenix based on crash statistics:

  • 99th Ave and Lower Buckeye Rd: 411 crashes
  • 67th Ave and McDowell Rd: 251 crashes
  • 75th Ave and Indian School Rd: 249 crashes
  • 67th Ave and Indian School Rd: 263 crashes
  • 75th Ave and McDowell Rd: 232 crashes
  • 27th Ave and Camelback Rd: 210 crashes
  • 43rd Ave and Bethany Home Rd: 200 crashes
  • 35th Ave and Glendale Ave: 194 crashes
  • 51st Ave and Camelback Rd (Glendale): 201 crashes
  • 51st Ave and McDowell Rd: 202 crashes

Understanding Dangerous Intersections

What Makes an Intersection Dangerous?

A dangerous intersection is usually identified by how often and how serious vehicle crashes are at that spot. Factors that make it risky include:

  • High traffic volume: More vehicles increase the likelihood of collisions.
  • Poor visibility: Obstructions or lack of adequate lighting make it difficult for drivers to see other vehicles and pedestrians.
  • Complex layouts: Multiple lanes, turning points, and signal phases can confuse drivers.
  • Driver behavior: Aggressive driving, distraction, and non-compliance with traffic signals escalate risks.

MAG’s Weighted Intersection Safety Score (ISS)

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) uses a detailed method to find and rank dangerous intersections with the Weighted Intersection Safety Score (ISS). This system looks at intersections based on three main factors:

  • Crash Frequency Score (25%):
  • Measures the number of crashes at an intersection over a specific period.
  • Crash Severity Score (50%):
  • Weighs the severity of each crash, assigning higher scores for fatal and serious injury crashes.
  • Crash Type Score (25%):
  • Considers the type of crashes, such as head-on collisions or side impacts, which tend to be more severe.

By combining these elements, MAG’s ISS gives a balanced view of both how often and how serious crashes are. This helps focus efforts on fixing high-risk areas.

Why This Matters for Phoenix

Using these measures in Phoenix shows intersections that regularly have high crash rates and severe accidents. Finding dangerous intersections through ISS allows city planners and traffic safety authorities to make specific improvements like better signs, enhanced lighting, and redesigned road layouts. The ultimate goal is reducing accident rates and improving overall road safety for all users.

Top 10 Most Dangerous Intersections in Phoenix, AZ

99th Ave and Lower Buckeye Rd

Location and Layout:

Situated in the southwestern part of Phoenix, the intersection of 99th Ave and Lower Buckeye Rd is a critical junction connecting various residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and industrial zones. This intersection serves as a major conduit for commuters traveling to and from central Phoenix, creating a high volume of daily traffic.

Crash Statistics:

Total Crashes: 411 reported incidents. This alarming figure places this intersection at the top of the list for dangerous intersections in Phoenix.

Contributing Factors:

  • High Traffic Volume: The sheer number of vehicles passing through this intersection daily significantly increases the likelihood of accidents. Many drivers use this route to bypass congested freeways, leading to heavy traffic.
  • Poor Visibility: Inadequate street lighting and obstructions such as large vehicles or poorly placed signage can obscure drivers’ views, making it challenging to see oncoming traffic or pedestrians.
  • Complex Traffic Patterns: The intersection’s design includes multiple lanes for turning, merging, and straight-through traffic. This complexity can confuse drivers unfamiliar with the area or those not paying full attention, resulting in frequent collisions.
  • Speeding: Despite posted speed limits, many drivers exceed safe speeds due to the open road layout and perceived urgency during peak hours. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases both the likelihood and severity of crashes.

The combination of these factors makes 99th Ave and Lower Buckeye Rd particularly hazardous for all road users. Understanding these risks is crucial for implementing effective safety measures aimed at reducing accidents at this intersection.

2. 67th Ave and McDowell Rd

The intersection of 67th Ave and McDowell Rd is a busy area in the heart of Phoenix, connecting residential neighborhoods with commercial zones. It’s one of the city’s busiest intersections.

Crash statistics at this location reveal a concerning trend with 251 total crashes reported. This high number underscores the intersection’s notoriety among Phoenix residents and commuters.

Several contributing factors are evident:

  • Driver behavior: Aggressive driving, speeding, and failure to yield are prevalent issues.
  • Lack of proper signage: Insufficient or unclear signage can confuse drivers, leading to accidents.

Understanding these factors can help explain why this intersection is among the 10 most dangerous in Phoenix, AZ.

3. 75th Ave and Indian School Rd

The intersection of 75th Ave and Indian School Rd is another critical point in Phoenix’s urban landscape. Located in a densely populated area, this intersection serves as a significant artery for both residential and commercial traffic.

Crash Statistics

249 total crashes have been reported at this location, highlighting its status among the 10 most dangerous intersections in Phoenix.

Contributing Factors

  • Rush Hour Congestion: The high volume of vehicles during peak hours exacerbates the risk of collisions.
  • Inadequate Traffic Signals: Insufficient or poorly timed signals may lead to confusion and accidents.

Understanding the dynamics at intersections like 75th Ave and Indian School Rd can help identify necessary improvements to reduce crash rates and enhance overall traffic safety.

4. 67th Ave and Indian School Rd

The intersection of 67th Ave and Indian School Rd is a significant traffic hotspot in Phoenix. Positioned in a bustling urban area, it serves as a crucial junction for commuters heading to various destinations across the city.

Crash statistics at this location reveal a total of 263 reported crashes. This high number underscores the intersection’s notoriety as one of the 10 most dangerous intersections in Phoenix, AZ.

Several factors contribute to the risks at this junction:

  • Driver distraction: The presence of numerous commercial establishments can divert drivers’ attention from the road.
  • Weather conditions: Adverse weather, such as heavy rain or dust storms, can impair visibility and make driving hazardous.

Understanding these elements helps identify why the 67th Ave and Indian School Rd intersection consistently ranks high in crash statistics.

5. 75th Ave and McDowell Rd

Location and Layout: The intersection of 75th Avenue and McDowell Road is a bustling junction in Phoenix, AZ. Located in an urban area, it serves as a critical connection point for residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, and schools.

Crash Statistics:

  • Total Crashes: 232 reported at this intersection.

Contributing Factors: Several factors contribute to the high crash rate at this intersection:

  • Inadequate Road Markings: Poorly visible or worn-out road markings can confuse drivers, leading to misjudgments and collisions.
  • Improper Lane Usage: Drivers often misuse lanes, especially during peak hours, which increases the likelihood of accidents.

Understanding these elements is vital for addressing the dangers at this intersection and improving overall traffic safety in Phoenix.

6. 27th Ave and Camelback Rd

Location and Layout

Located in a bustling urban area, the intersection of 27th Ave and Camelback Rd is a significant junction. Camelback Road runs east-west, while 27th Avenue crosses it from north to south. This intersection serves as a key route for commuters and local traffic heading towards various commercial establishments and residential neighborhoods.

Crash Statistics

  • Total Crashes: 210 reported incidents

Contributing Factors

Several factors contribute to the high crash rate at this intersection:

  • Construction Work Nearby: Ongoing construction projects often lead to lane closures or detours, causing confusion among drivers.
  • Limited Pedestrian Crossings: Insufficient pedestrian infrastructure increases the risk of accidents involving pedestrians, adding to the overall danger.

By understanding these factors, efforts can be made to improve safety at this critical junction.

7. 43rd Ave and Bethany Home Rd

The intersection at 43rd Ave and Bethany Home Rd is known for its high accident rates, with a total of 200 reported crashes. This intersection lies in a bustling urban area, contributing to its notoriety as one of the 10 most dangerous intersections in Phoenix, AZ.

Location and Layout:

  • Situated in a densely populated neighborhood.
  • Surrounded by commercial establishments, schools, and residential areas.
  • Features multiple lanes in each direction with a mix of turning lanes and pedestrian crossings.

Crash Statistics:

  • 200 total crashes recorded.
  • Significant number of incidents involving both vehicles and pedestrians.

Contributing Factors:

  • Aggressive Driving Behavior: High frequency of speeding and reckless driving.
  • Insufficient Lighting: Poor visibility during night hours increases the risk of accidents.
  • Heavy Traffic Flow: Constant high volume of vehicles leading to congestion and frequent collisions.

Understanding these elements highlights why the 43rd Ave and Bethany Home Rd intersection is among the most hazardous spots in Phoenix.

8. 35th Ave and Glendale Ave

The intersection of 35th Ave and Glendale Ave is a major urban crossroads in Phoenix, AZ, located in a busy commercial area. This spot experiences heavy traffic from both vehicles and pedestrians every day.

Crash statistics for this intersection highlight its danger, with 194 total crashes reported. Such a significant number places it among the top 10 most dangerous intersections in Phoenix.

Several factors contribute to the high crash rate at this junction:

  • Poor road maintenance: Potholes and uneven surfaces can make navigation challenging.
  • Complex turn movements: Multiple lanes and turning options can confuse drivers and lead to accidents.

Addressing these issues is essential to improve safety at 35th Ave and Glendale Ave, potentially reducing the number of crashes in this high-risk area.

9. 51st Ave and Camelback Rd (Glendale)

Located in a bustling part of Glendale, the intersection of 51st Ave and Camelback Rd is a critical juncture for commuters and commercial traffic alike. This intersection sees a significant amount of daily traffic due to its proximity to residential areas, schools, and shopping centers.

Crash Statistics:

A total of 201 crashes have been reported at this intersection, highlighting its status as one of the 10 most dangerous intersections in Phoenix, AZ.

Contributing Factors:

  • Heavy Truck Traffic: The presence of commercial vehicles adds complexity to navigating this intersection safely.
  • Lack of Bicycle Lanes: With no dedicated lanes for cyclists, both motorists and bikers face increased risk.

Traffic congestion and insufficient infrastructure for non-motorized users make this intersection particularly hazardous.

10. 51st Ave and McDowell Rd

The 51st Ave and McDowell Rd intersection is a significant junction in Phoenix, AZ, situated in a bustling urban area. This location sees heavy daily traffic, contributing to its high crash rate. The intersection connects two major roads, creating a complex traffic flow that can be challenging for drivers to navigate.

Crash statistics reveal that this intersection has witnessed 202 total crashes, highlighting its status as one of the most dangerous intersections in Phoenix.

Several factors contribute to the high accident rate at this location:

  • Driver impatience during red lights often leads to risky maneuvers.
  • Obstructed views due to parked vehicles, which can limit visibility for drivers attempting to cross or merge into traffic.

Addressing these issues could significantly improve safety at the 51st Ave and McDowell Rd intersection, potentially reducing the number of crashes and enhancing overall traffic safety in Phoenix.

Other High-Risk Areas in Phoenix Traffic Network

Even though the top ten intersections highlight significant crash hotspots, other areas also demand attention. For instance, I-17 & Peoria Avenue and Baseline Road & I-101 are notable for frequent accidents. Similarly, intersections like Thomas Road & Indian School Road witness a substantial number of crashes, albeit not as severe in frequency compared to the top ten.

Understanding these additional high-crash intersections is crucial for comprehensive traffic safety strategies. While focusing on the most critical intersections is essential, acknowledging the broader network of vulnerable spots ensures a holistic approach to mitigating traffic incidents. Urban areas like Phoenix present unique challenges due to high traffic volumes and complex road layouts.

Key High-Risk Intersections:

  • Avondale: 99th Ave and McDowell Rd – 217 crashes
  • Surprise: Bell Rd and Litchfield Rd – 223 crashes
  • Phoenix: I-17 and Peoria Ave – 212 crashes
  • Phoenix: Baseline Rd and I-101 – 211 crashes
  • Phoenix: Thomas Rd and Indian School Rd (83rd Ave) – 204 crashes

Regional crash statistics underscore that intersections account for approximately 60% of traffic-related injuries and 40% of fatalities. This data highlights the necessity of expanding our focus beyond the most dangerous intersections to include all high-risk areas within Phoenix’s traffic network.

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