Intersecting roadways are essential for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians who are traveling from one route to another. But intersections can also be very dangerous. It’s where the most accidents occur. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, about 40% of all traffic accidents in the US happen at intersections.
The Bay Area is one of California’s most rapidly growing regions. It’s predicted that the population will soar to 9.3 million by 2040. In an area that’s already congested, planning officials have expressed concern that the existing infrastructure cannot handle an influx of traffic. With overcrowded roadways and daily gridlock, drivers recognize that some Bay Area intersections have become more dangerous and prone to accidents.
Rising Accident Rates
In California, intersection accidents are on the rise. In 2021, there were 971 accident-related deaths at intersections statewide. Los Angeles and Roseville consistently rank in the top US cities with the most car accidents per person. The Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) reports that about 1,500 serious injuries and 400 deaths happen on the Bay Area’s streets every year.
A number of factors contribute to intersection accidents, including speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, or drowsy driving. If a motorist runs a red light, makes an illegal turn, or fails to yield the right of way – they are more likely to cause an accident. Equipment failure or road design defects can also lead to a serious crash.
As the Bay Area’s population continues to grow and more people are traveling by car, these accident rates could continue to increase, adding to the probability of involvement in an auto accident.
Most Dangerous Intersections in the San Francisco Bay Area
According to crash reports by San Francisco City and County, the ten Bay Area intersections with the highest all-time number of collisions are:
- 5th Street and Market Street
- Market Street and Octavia Street
- 6th Street and Market Street
- Mission Street and Van Ness Avenue
- 16th Street and Potrero Avenue
- Duboce Avenue and Mission Street
- Market Street and 8th Street
- 13th and Van Ness Avenue
- Market Street and 7th Street
- 19th Street and Sloat Boulevard
Many of these accidents happen in northeastern San Francisco, in the more congested areas such as Union Square, SoMa, and the Mission District. These neighborhoods have seen continued population growth over the last decade with minimal change in infrastructure to accommodate the needs of additional families and motorists
Vision Zero
To ease traffic congestion and lower accident rates in the Bay Area, the Metropolitan Transportation Center signed Vision Zero (2020) into action. This policy allows officials to allocate financial resources for updating roadways and promoting driver safety. More specifically, the MTC is working to make Bay Area streets safer by providing regional leadership, applying a data-driven approach to safety policies, analyzing community impact, protecting vulnerable roadway users, supporting beneficial safety legislation, and providing education to key regional stakeholders.
The goal of Vision Zero is to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries in the Bay Area to zero by 2030.
Contact a Bay Area Car Accident Attorney
While Bay Area leaders are working to reduce traffic and make intersections safer for drivers – accidents do still happen. If you or a family member has been involved in a car accident in the San Francisco Bay Area, do not hesitate to reach out for legal assistance.
Bostwick & Peterson has served clients in the Bay Area and throughout California for decades. Our firm focuses on representing individuals who have sustained serious injuries and helping families who wish to pursue wrongful death lawsuits after losing a loved one in a fatal traffic collision. We have recovered over $1 billion in compensation for clients and have secured record-breaking verdicts and settlements.
Contact us today for a free evaluation of your motor vehicle case.
