Statistics on Intersection Accidents

Every year, the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) reports approximately 2.5 million intersection accidents. Most of these crashes involve left turns.
Nationally, 40 percent of all crashes involve intersections, the second largest category of accidents, led only by rear-end collisions. Fifty percent of serious collisions happen in intersections and some 20 percent of fatal collisions occur there.
An estimated 165,000 accidents occur annually in intersections caused by red-light runners. Fatalities caused by red-light runners run from 700-800 a year.
Making Intersections SaferIn the past few years, a quarter of all traffic deaths and about half of all injuries in the United States occur at intersections. That’s why a big part of tackling road safety challenges involves intersections. Many strategies include geometric design and traffic control devices such as signals, signs, and markings. A combination of these different strategies is required to solve the issue.
Intersection safety is a top priority in the local, state and national levels. Many organizations such as the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, Federal Highway Administration, Institute of Transportation Engineers and other public and private sectors continue to develop resources to make intersections safer.
Sources for Intersection SafetyThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is the primary source of traffic accident statistics.
The Fatality Analysis Reporting System is an encyclopedia that allows easy retrieval of fatality statistics.
The video below provides some basic tips on how to avoid crashes at intersections.
Sacramento Car Accident LawyerI'm Ed Smith, a car accident lawyer in Sacramento. I've been handling dangerous intersection auto accidents in Sacramento and throughout Northern California since 1982. If you or a loved one has been involved in a motor vehicle collision, not your fault, please call us for free, friendly advice. In Sacramento call 916.921.6400 or 800.404.5400. You may also write to us here.
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Editor’s Note: This page has been updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 3.31.21]