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Most Dangerous Intersections In Raleigh, NC For Car Accidents

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As our Raleigh, NC car accident lawyer can confirm, Raleigh’s rapid growth has brought increased traffic—and with it, heightened risk at certain intersections. Let’s dive into the ten most crash-prone spots, what contributes to their danger, and how residents can stay safer behind the wheel.

Top 10 Crash Hot Spots (2015–2019, NCDOT Data)

Based on reported incidents over five years, the following intersections saw the most accidents:

  1. I-40 and I-440 (648 crashes)
  2. I-440 and US 1 (519 crashes)
  3. I-440 and SR 2000 (504 crashes)
  4. I-440 and I-440 WB Couplet (448 crashes)
  5. I-40 and US 70 (443 crashes)
  6. I-440 and US 70 (441 crashes)
  7. I-440 and SR 1005 (371 crashes)
  8. I-40 and US 1 (351 crashes)
  9. US 70 and SR 1670 (350 crashes)
  10. US 1 and US 64 (336 crashes)

Additional Notable Crash-Prone Spots

Beyond the top 10, studies and local reporting highlight other high-risk locations:

  • Poole Road & New Hope Road: Frequently tops local crash lists—busy, with often-unpredictable traffic patterns.
  • Hammond Road & Tryon Road: Wide intersection with hard-to-see signals—common site for red-light accidents.
  • Davie Street & South Wilmington Street: Downtown intersections often catch drivers off guard amid congestion and nightlife traffic.
  • Edwards Mill Road & Wade Avenue (Wade Park Blvd): Major commuter and event corridor—accidents spike during fair and sports seasons.
  • Dawson Street & South Street: Downtown crossroad—heavy pedestrian and vehicular traffic make it especially dangerous.
  • Lumley Road & Brier Creek Parkway and nearby intersections like Millbrook & Old Wake Forest Road, Rock Quarry & MLK Jr Blvd, Wake Forest/Ollie/Ronald Drive, and South Saunders & Ileagnes Drive round out the list of concerning areas.

What Makes These Intersections So Hazardous?

  • High traffic volumes & complex layouts, especially at highway interchanges and arterial roads.
  • Limited visibility, broad multi-lane designs, and inconsistent signal timing contribute to driver confusion.
  • Common driver errors: distracted driving, misjudging speeds, turning with obstructed views, red light running.
  • Pedestrian risks: At certain intersections—like Capital Boulevard at Calvary Drive—pedestrian and bicycle crashes are alarmingly high.
  • Community concern: Raleigh residents frequently point out struggle points like Glenwood Avenue interchanges and Five Points, calling for redesigns.

Safety Tips For Navigating These Hot Spots

  • Drive defensively: Expect unexpected behavior—don’t assume other drivers will follow signals or lanes correctly.
  • Stay focused: Avoid distractions like phones or adjustments while approaching these intersections.
  • Obey speed limits & signals: Especially at complex or multi-lane intersections, slowing down can make a huge difference.
  • Use crosswalks safely: Pedestrians should avoid rushing and cross where visibility is highest.
  • Support safety improvements: Many crash-prone intersections are already on the City’s agenda for redesign or upgraded signaling.

From high-speed highway interchanges like I-40/I-440 to busy arterial intersections like Poole & New Hope or Edwards Mill & Wade, Raleigh’s most dangerous intersections are both familiar and ever-present threats. That said, with awareness, caution, and continued infrastructure improvements, we can all contribute to safer roads for drivers and pedestrians alike.

If you were injured in a car accident, contact our car accident lawyer. At Burton Law Firm, we are here to help you.

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