The 10 Most Dangerous Intersections in Phoenix

Phoenix’s road network and heavy traffic make it one of the most hazardous metropolitan areas for intersection crashes in Arizona. Each year, thousands of cases arise due to speeding and distracted driving, often happening during rush hour when congestion and driver impatience are at a high. Such collisions can result in devastating consequences, ranging from severe bodily harm to long-term disabilities. 

Understanding which intersections are the most dangerous will reveal how and where serious crashes commonly occur in Phoenix. It also provides insight on what specific factors trigger certain roads to be more hazardous and why extra caution is needed to protect your safety. 

What Is the Most Dangerous Intersection in Phoenix?

The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) provided an analysis of data from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), covering details surrounding harmful roads where drivers are at risk of a collision in Phoenix. They noted that the most dangerous intersection is at 67th Avenue and McDowell Road. It is in one of the busiest parts of west Phoenix, where fast-moving and constant local traffic are presented. 

There is a gas station, car wash, apartment complexes, and many shopping plazas all within a short distance from one another. There are also schools near this corridor, which means school-time crossings and pick-up/drop-off traffic. During concert nights, the Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre can contribute to road congestion on McDowell before and after shows. 

This means that cars are always turning in and out of driveways, merging across multiple lanes, or making abrupt stops to get into certain facilities. Additionally, the speed limits are around 35-40 mph. Combining these factors can result in lots of cars, different speeds, limited reaction time, and distractions. 

What Other Intersections Are Dangerous in Phoenix, AZ?

Other additional locations with the highest crash risk in the Phoenix area include the following:

1. 51st Avenue and Camelback Road: This is a busy area that connects many neighborhoods and shopping centers. A storage facility and small retail shops nearby can attract constant local traffic, while a bus stop at the intersection may increase pedestrian movement. Given these circumstances, minor accidents and close calls are bound to happen. 
2. 19th Avenue and Peoria Avenue: This intersection mixes commuter and local traffic. Nearby spots, like Public Storage and Circle K, see heavy daily use, and a Valley Metro bus stop adds to the pedestrian activity. With cars turning in various directions and people crossing often, this area can experience congestion and higher crash rates. 
3. 67th Avenue and Thomas Road: The area serves both residential and commuter traffic. The Maryvale Clinic and a Shell gas station may create steady vehicle movement in and out of driveways. Since traffic moves quickly on Thomas Road, drivers could potentially misjudge turns or overlook oncoming vehicles, leading to accidents. 
4. 67th Avenue and Indian School Road: Surrounded by popular spots, like Peter Piper Pizza and Walgreens, this intersection has a steady flow of traffic. Several bus stops are located at the corridor, increasing the pedestrian volume throughout the day. The combination of wide lanes, frequent turns, and ongoing activity make this area one of the most hazardous. 
5. 83rd Avenue and Indian School Road: This location is a blend of residential areas and busy commercial spots (including Walgreens and Family Dollar). The road is wide and traffic moves at higher speeds. Cars could also be seen slowing down to turn into parking lots. The mix of fast and slow movements can make crashes more likely. 
6. Cave Creek Road and Sweetwater Avenue: This intersection can consist of quiet residential streets to busier commercial areas with places including Circle K and El Pollo Loco. The road curves a bit, and drivers, at times, may not maintain reasonable speeds or notice vehicles pulling out ahead. Limited visibility and abrupt lane changes can make this a risky area for vehicle operators. 
7. 51st Avenue and Thomas Road: The area is surrounded by shops and gas stations. It is also close to Dignity Health Arizona General Hospital Laveen. Ambulances, local visitors, and commuters all share the same space. With various access points and heavy traffic, this can get congested and, ultimately, turn into an accident-prone location. 
8. 27th Avenue and Camelback Road: There’s a combination of retail businesses, restaurants, and a clinic near this intersection. A bus stop can also bring in foot traffic. Drivers speeding down Camelback or turning out of busy parking lots can result in collisions, especially during peak hours.
9. 99th Avenue and Lower Buckeye Road: The intersection combines industrial and retail traffic. There is a nearby urgent care and storage facility that brings in a mix of trucks, delivery vehicles, and standard cars. With heavy turning movement and ongoing congestion, this intersection can have minor and serious crashes. 

The MAG study evaluated intersections in accordance with a weighted scoring system that looked into crash frequency (25%), crash severity (50%), and type (25%). With a risk score of 0.886, the 67th and McDowell Road was placed first to the region’s “Top 100 Intersections Ranked by Crash Risk.“

What Is the Most Common Type of Accident at an Intersection?

According to ADOT and MAG, intersection-related collisions make up a large share of total accidents statewide. The City of Phoenix 2020 Comprehensive Collision Summary reported 25,224 total cases, with almost 9,200 injury collisions and 185 fatalities. About 78% involved rear-end, t-bone, left-turn, or single-vehicle collisions. These make up most of the intersection accidents that have happened all throughout the city.

T-bone collisions were noted as the most dangerous intersection crashes in Arizona. They usually happen when a driver fails to comply with traffic laws by running a red light or not yielding during a turn. Since this type of impact hits the side of a vehicle, where protection is the weakest, it often leads to serious or fatal crashes. 

Following after is a rear-end accident. This  typically stems from distracted driving, tailgating, or sudden braking in heavy traffic. And lastly, left-turn crashes. This occurs when a driver misjudges oncoming traffic or makes an attempt at beating a yellow light. 

Why Are There So Many Car Accidents in Phoenix?

Based on data provided by the ADOT 2024 Crash Facts Summary, traffic fatalities decreased for the second consecutive year. But, it continues to remain at all-time historical highs. In 2024, a total of 1,228 deaths occurred statewide, translating to a 6.1% decline from 1,308 cases from 2023. Total accidents also fell, from 123,256 in 2023 to 121,107 in 2024, marking a 1% decrease. Most of these collisions were caused by driver behavior.

Alcohol-related accidents contributed 27.9% to all fatalities, whereas speeding caused 417 deaths and 20,722 injuries, representing 33.9% of total deaths and 38% of injuries statewide. Male drivers were involved in more than 71% of alcohol-related crashes, and drivers between the ages of 25 to 34 accounted for nearly 31% of these cases.

The report further went on to mention that more fatalities occurred on local roads (755) than state highways (453). Urban areas (781) accounted for most of the deaths documented when compared to rural (447). Third-party cases involving pedestrians and bicyclists reached a five-year high, with 2,079 pedestrian and 1,379 bicyclist accidents noted in 2024. Motorcycle fatalities had a 16.4% decline, from 262 in 2023 to 219 in 2024. And having no seatbelts or helmets contributed to 340 fatalities and 3,088 injuries.

How Long After an Accident Can You Call a Lawyer?

If you get into an accident at an intersection, you should contact a Phoenix personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can start preserving evidence, acquiring witness statements, and defending your rights before any important deadline passes. Remember, delaying the legal process can make it more difficult for you to prove fault or recover full compensation.

Under ARS § 12-542, personal injury claims will need to be filed within two years from the date of the incident. But, certain exceptions do exist, especially if a government entity was involved. In this case, you will need to submit a formal notice of claim within 180 days (ARS § 12-821.01). 

Once it has been filed, the agency will be given 60 days to respond. If it gets denied, you will have one year from the date of the event to file a lawsuit in court. Failing to have your claim submitted prior to the deadline will result in dismissal, meaning you will no longer have the opportunity to recover compensation for the losses you sustained. 

Injured in an Intersection Accident? Set Up a FREE Consultation with Our Phoenix Personal Injury Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one were injured at an intersection accident, West Coast Trial Lawyers is readily available to guide you through the claims process. We know how overwhelming the aftermath of an accident can be, and how insurance calls can add on unnecessary stress to what is already a difficult time for you. 

Our Phoenix personal injury lawyers will manage all legal aspects of your case from start to finish. We will investigate the situation, collect evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies to get you the compensation you deserve.

To book a FREE consultation, you can reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our easy online contact form.