10 Most Dangerous Intersections in DC

By Peter DePaolis
Attorney

Washington DC is home to a plethora of transportation options, yet most people prefer to travel by automobile. With so many commuters on the road at any given time, accidents are bound to happen. Factor in some notable dangerous intersections littered throughout Washington DC, and you’re looking at prime conditions for collisions. 

If you believe you were injured as a result of one of these dangerous intersections, you are encouraged to seek an experienced Washington DC personal injury attorney. As you consider securing legal representation for your injury, explore the 10 most dangerous intersections in DC. You may find that your automobile accident is a direct result of one of these notorious roadways.

New York Avenue and Bladensburg Road

Both roadways lead directly into the heart of Washington DC, resulting in a significant number of vehicles on either road at any given time. Thus, this intersection is often extremely busy, leaving drivers at risk of collision.

In the early 2010s, this intersection averaged about 75 accidents per year. Fast-forward to today, and that figure is now more than twice as high. The following is crash data regarding the number of accidents on this intersection over the years:

  • 2010-2012: 75 total accidents
  • 2018: 165 total accidents
  • 2018-2021: 435 total accidents

As you can see, the number of accidents steadily increases or stays about the same year over year, making this intersection one of Washington DC’s most dangerous.

Benning Road and Minnesota Avenue 

Many residents of Washington DC agree that this is the single most dangerous intersection in the district. Given that it regularly sees rushing traffic and heavy pedestrian activity, it’s little wonder why this intersection was deemed the most dangerous by Time Magazine in 2018.

First Avenue, New York Avenue, and Florida Avenue

Although the roads that make up this intersection weren’t originally intended to form a traffic circle, that’s precisely what they’ve become. Due to substantial growth in urban communities nearby, this intersection has seen more traffic than it was designed to accommodate, resulting in congestion and accidents.

Pennsylvania Avenue and 12th Street 

Situated on the outskirts of the Federal Triangle, this intersection regularly sees an influx of foot traffic from tourists visiting sites like the Smithsonian Museum. Pennsylvania Avenue and 12th Street are busy enough as it is. Factor in swaths of pedestrians regularly crossing to either side, and you’re looking at one of the most dangerous intersections in all of Washington DC.

Massachusetts Avenue, 7th Street, and K Street

This star-point intersection is notable for its convergence of heavy traffic coming from all directions. Massachusetts Avenue is busy enough on its own. But combined with the influx of traffic from 7th Street and K Street, the intersection is particularly hazardous.

Other notable mentions include:

  • Pennsylvania Avenue SE and Fairlawn Avenue
  • Prout Street SE and Pennsylvania Avenue SE
  • M Street NW and Wisconsin Avenue NW
  • New York Avenue NE and 1st Street
  • U Street NW and 14th Street

In the past three years, there have been nearly 700 total accidents occurring just in the five intersections listed above. Contact a qualified personal injury attorney today if you are the unfortunate victim of an accident on one of Washington DC’s most dangerous intersections. Get in touch with our office today.

About the Author
Peter DePaolis joined the firm in 1980 and has since represented a large number of individuals involved in automobile collisions, truck accidents, bus crashes, defective products, and medical malpractice cases. A significant portion of Mr. DePaolis’ practice is devoted to working on behalf of people suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other asbestos-related cancers. He has led his firm’s fight against the asbestos industry and has recovered over $30 million in damages for asbestos victims and their families.