Boston is known for terrible traffic, with some of the worst congestion in the world. People who drive into the city often park their cars in garages and walk to where they need to go, because it is faster than driving. In a recent study, researchers found that traffic in the metro area costs drivers an average of $2,270 in gas and wasted time, as reported on CBS News. Due to heavy traffic, faulty road design, confusing configurations, lack of signage, and other factors, Boston has some of the most dangerous intersections where accidents are more likely to occur.
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What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in the Boston Area?
The top high crash intersection locations in the state have been identified by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). To make these identifications, the department collected data on crashes that occurred in four-way, T, Y, or five point or more intersections from 2015-2017, weighted by the severity of the crash (fatal, injury, or property damage only) and calculated crash costs. The top crash intersections were found to be:
- Veterans of Foreign Wars Highway at Bridge Street in Lowell — 124 crashes, 28 fatal or injury, 96 non-injury; and
- Randolph Avenue at Chickatawbut Road in Milton – 60 crashes, 30 fatal or injury, 30 non-injury.
MassDOT also identified the top pedestrian crash and bicycle crash clusters in the state.
Other dangerous intersections in the Boston area include:
- Morton Street at Harvard Street in Boston
- Apple Street at Central Street in Lowell
- Ash Street at West Elm Street in Brockton
- James Avenue at St. James Boulevard in Springfield
- Middlesex Road at Kendall Road in Tyngsborough
- Kelley Square at Water Street in Worcester
- Sumner Avenue at Belmont Avenue in Springfield
- High Street at Cabot Street in Holyoke
What Makes Some Intersections More Dangerous Than Others?
Intersections can be inherently dangerous. When roads intersect, paths cross in lanes of traffic, creating conflict points where accidents can occur. Some intersections are more dangerous than others, often due to a combination of factors that may include:
- Heavy traffic
- Poor intersection design
- Ongoing road construction
- Off-street parking
- Lack of bicycle lanes
- Poor signage
- Lack of pedestrian crosswalks
- Poorly maintained roads (potholes, etc.)
- Buses that make frequent stops
- Vehicles crossing traffic to make left turns
- Negligent lane changes (drivers fail to check their blind spots)
- Aggressive driving (speeding, tailgating, weaving through traffic, failing to yield, disregarding traffic signs or signals)
- Fatigued or impaired driving during rush hour
How Can You Avoid a Crash While Driving Through Boston Intersections?
Most motor vehicle accidents are preventable, even in the Boston area. To help keep yourself and your passengers safe, stay alert and pay attention to your driving. Wear your seatbelt, do not drive impaired or distracted, travel at a speed that is safe for existing conditions, and obey traffic laws. Check your blind spots carefully before changing lanes. Be alert for drivers who speed through intersections, run red lights, fail to come to a complete stop, or otherwise fail to yield the right of way.
Sometimes an accident is unavoidable. No matter how diligently you drive, another driver can cause a crash through negligence. If this happens to you, your best course of action is to speak with an experienced Boston car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact DiBella Law Injury and Accident Lawyers at (617) 663-0665. We are a nationally recognized law firm with a history of success for our clients in personal injury matters. Founding attorney Christopher DiBella has been named among the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers, listed among Massachusetts Super Lawyers®, and rated 10.0 on Avvo.