People know Phoenix for its stunning desert landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm weather. Unfortunately, car accidents are an all too common occurrence. Many accidents occur because of the high number of cars on city roads. Staying vigilant and practicing safe driving habits are essential for navigating the most dangerous roads in Phoenix safely amid the bustling traffic.
How Common and Dangerous Are Intersections Accidents
Nationwide, over 12,000 traffic deaths in 2022 were tied to intersection-related crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). More than 7,800 of those fatalities happened at unsignalized intersections — places where unclear right-of-way, missing signs, and hesitant drivers often create the perfect storm for deadly collisions.
Arizona is no stranger to these dangers. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), there were 122,247 crashes across the state in 2023, many of them occurring at intersections. Of those, 1,307 crashes resulted in fatalities. These high-risk crashes aren’t limited to Phoenix and Tucson’s busy city streets — they also happen at rural crossroads, where limited visibility and the false belief that “no one’s coming” can be just as deadly.
T-bone and left-turn collisions — two of the most frequent types of intersection crashes — strike vehicles at their most vulnerable points. That leaves drivers and passengers at serious risk of life-altering injuries, from shattered bones and spinal damage to internal organ trauma. Let’s break down some of the intersections in Phoenix where these dangers are most concentrated.
The 10 Most Dangerous Intersections in Phoenix
Based on crash data collected between 2018 and 2022, these Phoenix intersections rank among the most dangerous in the city, thanks to their consistently high crash rates:
1. 67th Avenue & McDowell Road – 229 crashes
Sitting at the crossroads of busy residential and commercial areas, this intersection deals with constant congestion, speeding drivers, and abrupt lane changes, all fueling rear-end collisions and risky left turns.
2. 57th Avenue & Camelback Road – 108 crashes
A critical east-west commuter artery, this intersection combines heavy rush hour traffic with vehicles constantly turning in and out of nearby shopping centers and side streets — a recipe for collisions.
3. 19th Avenue & Peoria Avenue – 105 crashes
With multiple shopping centers, bus stops, and crosswalks, this intersection is a chaotic blend of turning vehicles, crossing pedestrians, and drivers trying to beat the light — a perfect storm for crashes.
4. 67th Avenue & Thomas Road – 128 crashes
A wide, multi-lane crossing notorious for left-turn conflicts, where drivers frequently misjudge oncoming traffic, resulting in dangerous T-bone and side-impact crashes.
5. 67th Avenue & Indian School Road – 167 crashes
One of Phoenix’s busiest corridors, this intersection sees heavy stop-and-go traffic, frequent pedestrian crossings, and a high number of red-light runners.
6. 43rd Avenue & Indian School Road – 177 crashes
A perpetually congested arterial intersection, this location sees both local and through traffic jockeying for position, along with drivers weaving across lanes and making last-second turns into nearby businesses.
7. Cave Creek Road & Sweetwater Avenue – 101 crashes
Nestled near residential neighborhoods, this intersection mixes local traffic with cut-through commuters and limited side-street visibility, making side-impact collisions all too common.
8. 51st Avenue & Thomas Road – 141 crashes
A busy cross-city thoroughfare that sees a heavy mix of trucks, local drivers, and speeders. Left turns here are particularly treacherous, with drivers frequently failing to yield properly.
9. 27th Avenue & Camelback Road – 140 crashes
Located near both retail hubs and residential neighborhoods, this intersection contends with frequent pedestrian crossings, distracted drivers, and impatient left-turners.
10. Price Road & Queen Creek Road (Chandler) – 209 crashes
A major suburban crossing in Chandler, this intersection handles heavy commuter flows, with drivers cutting across lanes and racing through yellows, creating ideal conditions for T-bone and rear-end wrecks.
With Maricopa County home to five of the deadliest intersections in the Western U.S., it’s clear that drivers in Phoenix face serious risks — not only at these heavily trafficked city crossings but also at suburban and rural intersections, where speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield turn everyday drives into dangerous gambles. And these factors are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what causes intersection crashes.
The 5 Most Dangerous Roads in Phoenix
Phoenix’s extensive road network keeps the city moving, but not every stretch of pavement offers a smooth or safe ride. Except intersections, some roads and highways consistently stand out — not for their scenic drives, but for their high crash rates and dangerous driving conditions. Based on AZDOT crash data and traffic safety studies, here are some of the most hazardous roads in Phoenix, AZ:
1. Interstate 10 (I-10)
Spanning over 400 miles across Arizona, I-10 is a vital corridor connecting Phoenix to Tucson and beyond. But it’s also one of the deadliest highways in the state. The stretch between Phoenix and Tucson, particularly in Pinal County, sees heavy congestion, aggressive driving, and a high number of fatal collisions. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), the I-10 corridor between Casa Grande and Chandler is a hot spot for serious crashes, due in part to high speeds, frequent lane changes, and limited barriers in some sections.
2. U.S. Route 60 (U.S. 60)
US-60, also known as Grand Avenue within Phoenix, combines narrow lanes, sharp curves, and heavy commuter traffic, making it one of the more dangerous routes in the region. The highway transitions from a local arterial road into a high-speed freeway, creating a mismatch between driver expectations and actual road conditions. Outside the metro area, sections of US-60 in mountainous terrain, especially near the Salt River Canyon, are notorious for fatal crashes involving sharp turns and limited visibility.
3. Interstate 17 (I-17)
Running north-south between Phoenix and Flagstaff, I-17 — also called the Black Canyon Freeway — presents a unique set of dangers. The route’s steep elevation changes, particularly north of Black Canyon City, combine with speeding drivers and unpredictable weather, creating prime conditions for crashes. In the Phoenix area itself, the I-17 corridor experiences regular congestion, construction zones, and weaving traffic, particularly near the Durango Curve and the I-10 interchange.
4. 43rd Avenue
43rd Avenue has consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous local roads in Phoenix, with a troubling pattern of fatal crashes, pedestrian strikes, and high-speed collisions. The stretch between Lamar Road and McDowell Road sees frequent mid-block crossings, turning conflicts, and distracted driving incidents. With a mix of residential areas, businesses, and schools, the varied traffic patterns make this arterial road particularly risky for both drivers and pedestrians.
5. Indian School Road
Stretching roughly 40 miles across the Phoenix metro area, Indian School Road is infamous for its high crash rate, especially between 53rd Avenue and 91st Avenue on the west side and 30th Street to 3rd Street closer to downtown. These sections deal with high pedestrian activity, frequent lane shifts, and heavy traffic from nearby businesses and schools, creating a constant risk of rear-end collisions, left-turn crashes, and pedestrian accidents.
Why Road or Intersection Can Be Dangerous
Specific roads and highways can be accident-prone because of construction and environmental factors. Some of these factors include:
- Dangerous Slopes and Inclines: Inclines, especially on highways, can be perilous for heavy trucks and may affect visibility and traction for smaller vehicles.
- Low Visibility: Limited visibility, especially at highway speeds, significantly increases the risk of collisions.
- Dangerous Curves: Roads with sharp turns and curves, especially when exceeding the speed limit, pose a significant risk of losing control.
- Inadequate Lighting: Roads with poor lighting can become extremely dangerous at night, further limiting visibility.
- Confusing Layouts and Signage: Confusing intersections with unclear signs can cause accidents, so it’s important to emphasize the importance of defensive driving skills.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Phoenix
In the immediate aftermath of a car accident in the Phoenix area, there are several crucial steps to take:
- Call 911
Call emergency services to report the accident. Wait for the police to come, they will secure the scene and make a report. - Gather Information
If it’s safe, get the other driver’s contact details and any witnesses. Take photographs of skid marks, vehicle damage, visible injuries, nearby cameras, weather conditions, and any road signs and signals. - Seek Medical Attention
Receiving a medical evaluation at a hospital is crucial, even if you feel fine. Motor vehicle accidents can result in hidden or delayed injuries that require diagnosis to prevent complications. Medical attention also creates a documented record of your injuries, supporting a potential claim.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Phoenix, Arizona
If you’re in a car accident in Phoenix, getting the right legal help for dealing with the aftermath is essential. At Esquire Law, our experienced auto accident attorneys dedicate themselves to helping you during this challenging period. Accidents can affect your body, feelings, and money, and we’re here to help and advise.
Our team of Phoenix car accident lawyers places your health and financial recovery as top priorities. We are ready to provide legal representation and support during this trying time. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today for a free consultation.