Navigating New York City’s bustling streets can challenge even the most experienced drivers. Certain roads and intersections are particularly dangerous with heavy traffic, frequent pedestrians, cyclists, and complex road layouts. Unfortunately, these high-risk areas can lead to devastating accidents, which often result in severe injuries or fatalities.
At Lambrou Law, our New York City car accident lawyers are committed to helping accident victims seek justice. Keep reading to learn the areas with the highest risk, discuss the statistics behind these danger zones, and explain what you can do if you’re injured in an accident.
The most dangerous roads and intersections in New York City
While accidents can happen anywhere, certain roads and intersections in New York City have a reputation for being particularly hazardous due to high traffic volumes, poor visibility, confusing layouts, and frequent pedestrian crossings. Some of the most dangerous roads and intersections in New York City include the following.
1. Queens Boulevard (“Boulevard of Death”)
Queens Boulevard, often called the “Boulevard of Death,” is notorious for its high number of accidents. Stretching through one of the city’s busiest areas, this road sees thousands of vehicles and pedestrians daily. With multiple lanes and fast-moving traffic, pedestrians often face significant dangers when crossing.
| Queens Boulevard has seen dozens of pedestrian fatalities in the past few decades. Although the city has implemented safety measures like pedestrian islands and speed cameras, it remains a high-risk road. |
2. Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn
Atlantic Avenue is a major thoroughfare connecting Brooklyn to Queens and Manhattan. The combination of heavy vehicle traffic, narrow lanes, and frequent intersections makes this road particularly risky for both drivers and pedestrians. High speeds and the mix of commercial and residential areas also contribute to a large number of collisions.
| Atlantic Avenue reported over 1,000 accidents in recent years, with a significant portion involving pedestrians. |
3. Grand Concourse, The Bronx
The Grand Concourse in the Bronx has long been a high-risk area for accidents, particularly involving pedestrians. With busy crosswalks and intersections combined with speeding vehicles, the Grand Concourse has been a focus of the city’s Vision Zero initiative, aimed at reducing traffic fatalities.
| Grand Concourse experienced more than 400 serious crashes in a recent five-year period, with fatalities among both pedestrians and drivers. |
4. Canal Street, Manhattan
Located in Lower Manhattan, Canal Street is one of the busiest corridors for commercial traffic, especially trucks. Its narrow lanes and frequent congestion make it one of the most dangerous roads and intersections in New York City. The high volume of pedestrians and cyclists further increases the risk of accidents.
| Canal Street consistently ranks among the top locations for traffic collisions, with a high incidence of vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist accidents. |
5. Tillary Street, Brooklyn
Tillary Street, located near the Brooklyn Bridge, is another high-risk area for both drivers and pedestrians. The convergence of multiple lanes of traffic, confusing signage, and heavy pedestrian movement contributes to its danger. Accidents often occur at intersections where drivers may not see pedestrians crossing.
| Tillary Street saw over 200 accidents in the past few years, with numerous injuries reported, especially near the Brooklyn Bridge. |
6. Broadway and West 96th Street, Manhattan
This intersection is known for its heavy pedestrian traffic and frequent accidents. Due to the high number of pedestrians in this area, it has been a focus for city planners looking to improve safety measures. Unfortunately, accidents still occur here at an alarming rate.
| The intersection of Broadway and West 96th Street continues to be one of the most dangerous in Manhattan, with high accident rates involving pedestrians (391 injuries were reported in the last 5 years). |
Why are these roads and intersections so dangerous?
Several factors contribute to making these roads and intersections some of the most dangerous in New York City:
- High traffic volumes – Many of these roads are main thoroughfares for commuters, commercial vehicles, and tourists, increasing congestion and the likelihood of accidents.
- Pedestrian and cyclist interactions – The sheer number of pedestrians and cyclists crossing or traveling along these roads creates more opportunities for collisions, especially when visibility is poor or traffic laws are ignored.
- Complex intersections – Some intersections have confusing layouts, poorly marked crosswalks, or traffic signals that don’t give pedestrians enough time to cross safely.
- Speeding – Speed limits are often exceeded on roads like Queens Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue, heightening the risk of fatal crashes.
Protecting your rights with Lambrou Law
The most dangerous roads and intersections in New York City pose significant risks to drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in one of these high-risk areas, Lambrou Law is here to help. With our expertise in personal injury law, we’ll fight to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us guide you through the process of seeking justice for your injuries.
