Guide to Buying Car Insurance in New York
New York State, including the city, comprises a massive network of public roads totaling over 114,000 miles. In New York City alone, the densely populated landscape presents unique challenges to drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, including some of the most dangerous intersections. Across the state, design flaws, confusing traffic patterns, aging infrastructure, and bustling streets make for the perfect storm of dangerous intersections.
The 9 Most Dangerous Intersections in New York City
Based on recent municipal traffic and crash data, the following intersections are among the city of New York’s most dangerous intersections.
Tillary Street & Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn
Often cited as the most hazardous intersection in NYC, this junction sees approximately 180 crashes annually. Its proximity to the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway contributes to its complexity and high traffic volume.
Atlantic Avenue & Pennsylvania Avenue, Brooklyn
This intersection experiences around 130 crashes yearly, making it one of Brooklyn’s most accident-prone areas.
2nd Avenue & East 59th Street, Manhattan
With an estimated 150 crashes annually, this intersection is particularly dangerous due to heavy traffic and complex road layouts.
42nd Street & 8th Avenue, Manhattan
Due to the high pedestrian and vehicular traffic, this busy Midtown intersection has about 140 crashes yearly.
57th Street & 3rd Avenue, Manhattan
Approximately 110 crashes occur here annually, marking it a significant hotspot for accidents.
Linden Boulevard & Pennsylvania Avenue, Queens
This intersection records about 135 crashes annually, highlighting it as one of Queens’ most dangerous.
Queens Boulevard & Long Island Expressway, Queens
Known for its complexity, this junction experiences around 110 crashes annually.
Major Deegan Expressway & West Fordham Road, Bronx
This area is notorious for frequent accidents, with significant crash data underscoring its danger.
Clove Road & Narrows Road North, Staten Island
This intersection has a notable history of traffic incidents and has been identified as one of the borough’s most hazardous.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Intersection Accidents in New York?
Intersections are inherently one of the most dangerous areas on the road. When two or more roads cross one another, with vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians heading in several different directions, accidents are bound to happen.
Common reasons for intersection accidents include:
- Failure to yield. Drivers often neglect to yield when turning left or entering cross streets, leading to side-impact collisions involving other vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists.
- Distracted driving. Activities such as texting, adjusting the radio, or talking to passengers divert attention from the road. At intersections, even a brief lapse in focus can result in a crash.
- Speeding. Driving over the speed limit reduces the time available to react to changing lights or unexpected pedestrians, increasing the risk and severity of collisions.
- Red-light running. Accelerating through a yellow light and entering the intersection after it turns red frequently causes T-bone crashes, especially with vehicles just starting on a green.
- Improper U-turns or lane changes. Sudden or illegal turns, such as unsignaled lane changes or U-turns, confuse other drivers and are especially hazardous at intersections with limited visibility.
- Left-turn misjudgment. Drivers making left turns may miscalculate the speed or distance of oncoming traffic, particularly without a dedicated turn signal, leading to serious crashes.
- Driving while intoxicated. Alcohol or drugs impair judgment and slow reaction times, increasing the chance that a driver will miss signals or fail to see other road users at intersections.
In many cases, more than one factor may play a role in a crash. Determining the cause of your accident is one of the key steps in seeking compensation. A skilled New York accident lawyer will help you thoroughly investigate what and who caused your intersection crash.
The Most Dangerous Roads in New York State
Traffic safety concerns stretch beyond the city limits and exist throughout the state.
Five dangerous roads outside NYC limits include:
- Taconic State Parkway,
- Route 17,
- I-87,
- Route 9A, and
- Route 25A.
The New York State Department of Transportation and other agencies are charged with continuing to improve these roads and their safety.
Safety Initiatives Aimed at Preventing Tragedy
Many programs and efforts throughout New York City and the state aim to prevent serious injury and death from motor vehicle accidents. One particular initiative is New York City’s Vision Zero program. This traffic safety initiative, launched in 2014, aims to eliminate all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries. Rooted in the belief that no loss of life on city streets is acceptable, the program focuses on redesigning dangerous intersections, lowering speed limits, enhancing traffic enforcement, and using data to guide safety improvements. It prioritizes the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists through a shared responsibility approach, emphasizing that both system designers and road users play a role in preventing crashes. Vision Zero aims to make NYC’s streets safer, more livable, and accessible.
What to Do If You Have Been Injured in a Car Accident at an Intersection
If you were injured in a car wreck in a dangerous intersection, you have rights and options available to you. The following steps can help protect your health and potential legal claim:
- Get medical attention right away;
- Follow your treatment plan and advice from medical professionals closely;
- Collect evidence such as photos, video surveillance, and witness statements;
- Keep all receipts for medical expenses and repairs to property damage; and
- Consult with an experienced New York accident attorney.
In addition to taking these five affirmative steps, you should avoid certain things. For instance, you should refrain from posting anything related to the accident or your injuries on social media, as insurance companies may try to use this information against you later. It is also wise to avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before speaking with an attorney.
Trusted New York Intersection Accident Attorneys
At Greenspan & Greenspan, we have seen firsthand the devastating impact an intersection collision can have on drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and their families. When you are hurt by someone else’s mistakes behind the wheel, our attorneys are prepared to step in to help you seek the justice you deserve.
Since our founding in 1959, our firm has worked diligently to help injured New Yorkers navigate their legal rights and heal after an accident. Our attorneys know New York’s roads and laws, and we are ready to be with you every step of the way to recovery. Your fight is our fight. If you were in an accident in one of the worst intersections in New York, contact us to schedule a free consultation today.
Resource List