The Most Dangerous Intersections in San Antonio, Texas
The Federal Highway Administration (FHA) records 2.5 million accidents at intersections. In fact, intersection accidents account for 40% of all traffic crashes, 50% of all serious collisions, and 20% of all fatal crashes.
How dangerous an intersection is can be attributed to a number of factors. These include posted speed limits near the intersection, amount of traffic, proximity to a highway, and visibility at or near the intersection. Many of the most dangerous intersections in San Antonio are subject to more than one of these factors.
To determine San Antonio’s worst intersections for drivers and pedestrians, Thomas J. Henry Law looked at the risk factors present at each location as well as the number of accidents and injuries reported at each intersection.
10 Most Dangerous Intersections in San Antonio
The San Antonio Express-News listed the following intersections among the most deadly in San Antonio.
- Loop 1604 and Interstate 10 – 216 collisions reported in 2017
- Northwest Loop 410 and Interstate 10 – 124 collisions reported in 2017
- U.S. 281 and Interstate 35 – 108 collisions reported in 2017
- West Loop 1604 North and Highway 16 – 92 collisions reported in 2017
- Northeast Loop 410 and Interstate 35 – 90 collisions reported in 2017
- North Loop 1604 East and Interstate 35 – 82 collisions reported in 2017
- Alamo Ranch Parkway and Westwood Loop – 79 collisions reported in 2017
- Northeast Loop 410 and Walzem Road – 63 collisions reported in 2017
- Northwest Loop 410 and Wurzbach Road – 61 collisions reported in 2017
- Northwest Loop 410 and San Pedro Avenue – 61 collisions reported in 2017
What Makes These Intersections So Dangerous?
Intersections already have a lot more going on than other sections of the road. You have drivers responding to traffic signals and signage, trying to determine and navigate to their appropriate lane of traffic, increased traffic congestion, and slowing or stopping traffic. The more things that are occurring on a section of road, the more potential there is for something to go wrong.
What makes the above intersections even more dangerous are the additional hazards they are subject to. These include:
- High Volumes of Traffic. The worst intersections in San Antonio all have one thing in common. They all see high levels of traffic, especially during rush hours. Each day, thousands of cars, pedestrians, bicyclists, buses, and trucks try to navigate these intersections, resulting in countless opportunities for an accident or injury to occur.
- Lack of Signage. When a driver is navigating an intersection, they rely on signs and signals to guide them to the appropriate lane and tell them when it is safe for them to proceed. When an intersection has missing, inadequate, or damaged signals and signage, drivers must spend additional time and attention comprehending the flow of traffic, potentially pulling their attention from other hazards.
- Absence of Turning Lanes. Most drivers don’t really appreciate the convenience of designated turning lanes until they encounter a road without one. Designated turning lanes limit traffic stoppage on forward-moving lanes and allow traffic to flow more easily. They also provide turning vehicles a designated space where they can take their time planning their turn without feeling rushed. When accompanied by clear traffic signals, motorists are even better aided in making safe turns.
- Poor Visibility. You can recognize and respond to a hazard if you are unable to see it. Obstacles and conditions that obstruct visibility put motorists at risk. At intersections, this can include buildings, foliage, poor lighting, overpasses, elevated surfaces (e.g. hills), and inclement weather.
- Construction. If you live in San Antonio or visit the city regularly, you know you are always going to run into road work somewhere along your route. When an intersection is under construction, you are suddenly presented with new signage, new traffic directions, and a variety of potential distractions.
Why Do Accidents Occur at Intersections?
While conditions or factors at the intersection can affect how safe an intersection is, the majority are only dangerous because they increase the risk for human error. In fact, a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 96 percent of intersection accidents are the result of driver error.
Among the most common errors are:
- Not looking before moving forward or turning (44.1%)
- False assumption of what another driver is about to do (8.4%)
- Turning with an obstructed view (7.8%)
- Running a red light or stop sign/making an illegal turn (6.8%)
- Distracted driving (5.7%)
- Misjudging the gap between vehicles or another vehicle’s speed (5.5%)
Injured in a Crash at an Intersection? Call a San Antonio Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash at a San Antonio intersection, call Thomas J. Henry Law now for a FREE case review. Our auto accident attorneys in San Antonio have successfully handled thousands of car crash cases over the past 25 years. We have built a reputation for securing record-breaking car accident results and are committed to helping our clients secure full compensation for their injuries and damages.
Our attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends to assist you. If you are unable to travel to our San Antonio offices, we can send an attorney directly to you!
Our San Antonio Personal Injury Law Offices
- Phone number: 210-941-2191 (attorneys available 24/7 to assist you)
- Address: 5710 W Hausman Rd, Suite 108, San Antonio, Texas 78249
