Intersections are some of the most dangerous locations on American roads and account for a large portion of vehicle crashes every year. According to the Federal Highway Administration, half of all crash-related injuries and a quarter of fatalities occur at or near intersections. Wichita Falls residents know firsthand that certain intersections in the city can be especially hazardous.
What Wichita Falls intersections are the most dangerous?
Using data from 2024, the Times Record News identified the top 10 most dangerous intersections, highlighting areas where drivers should remain particularly cautious.
Kemp Boulevard & Southwest Parkway
Topping the list is the busy intersection of Kemp Boulevard and Southwest Parkway. This intersection sees heavy traffic flow and numerous crashes annually, which makes it the most accident-prone location in Wichita Falls. Common accidents here include rear-end collisions due to sudden stops, side-impact crashes from vehicles running red lights, and pedestrian accidents resulting from heavy foot traffic and crossing difficulties.
Southwest Parkway & Fairway Boulevard
Coming in second, the intersection at Southwest Parkway and Fairway Boulevard is another high-risk area. Motorists frequently experience congestion and confusion, which contributes to frequent collisions such as rear-end accidents during peak traffic hours and side-swipe incidents from improper lane changes.
Rhea Road & Southwest Parkway
Ranked third, Rhea Road and Southwest Parkway pose significant hazards due to heavy traffic and complex lane arrangements, requiring drivers to stay highly alert. Car accidents here typically involve side-impact crashes from drivers failing to yield correctly and rear-end collisions resulting from unexpected stops in heavy traffic.
Kemp Boulevard & Maplewood Avenue
The fourth most dangerous intersection is located at Kemp Boulevard and Maplewood Avenue, known for frequent traffic incidents related to turning vehicles and pedestrian crossings. Left-turn collisions are especially common here, along with pedestrian-involved accidents caused by visibility issues and high pedestrian activity.
Kell Boulevard & Kemp Boulevard
At number five, the Kell Boulevard and Kemp Boulevard intersection sees a high volume of vehicles and multiple lanes, which often leads to side-impact crashes and rear-end collisions. Speeding and distracted driving contribute significantly to these incidents.
Kemp Boulevard & Call Field Road
This intersection is a hub for shopping and dining, which contributes to heavy traffic and increases the likelihood of collisions, especially during peak hours. Common incidents include parking lot entry-exit crashes, pedestrian accidents, and rear-end collisions due to stop-and-go traffic.
Greenbriar Road & Southwest Parkway
The seventh-ranked intersection, Greenbriar Road and Southwest Parkway, experiences frequent incidents due to limited visibility and fast-moving vehicles. Car accidents often include rear-end crashes from sudden braking and collisions involving drivers attempting unsafe lane changes or turns.
Lawrence Road & Maplewood Avenue
The intersection of Lawrence Road and Maplewood Avenue ranks eighth, presenting challenges for drivers due to frequent lane changes and pedestrian traffic. Typical traffic accidents include pedestrian incidents, rear-end collisions in congested traffic, and minor fender-benders due to abrupt lane shifts.
Maplewood Avenue & Southwest Parkway
Maplewood Avenue and Southwest Parkway's intersection, listed ninth, experiences heavy congestion, particularly during commuting hours, leading to frequent minor and major traffic accidents. Common incidents include rear-end and side-swipe collisions, particularly during rush hour.
Taft Boulevard & Southwest Parkway
Rounding out the top ten, Taft Boulevard and Southwest Parkway intersection sees its share of traffic issues. These include confusing traffic signals and pedestrian crossings. This results in a higher occurrence of side-impact collisions due to running red lights and pedestrian accidents.
What are the leading causes of intersection accidents?
Intersection accidents commonly occur due to several key factors, including:
- Distracted driving: Drivers texting, using mobile phones, or being otherwise distracted fail to notice traffic signals, pedestrians, or other vehicles.
- Failure to yield: Drivers may misjudge gaps in traffic or ignore yield signs, causing collisions, especially during left turns.
- Speeding: Vehicles approaching intersections at high speeds reduce reaction time, which increases the risk of serious collisions.
- Running red lights or stop signs: Impatient or inattentive drivers running stop signals cause dangerous T-bone and side-impact accidents.
- Poor visibility: Obstructed views, inadequate lighting, and inclement weather make intersections particularly hazardous.
- Impaired driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs often have reduced reaction times and impaired judgment.
- Confusing lane design: Complex intersection layouts or unclear lane markings cause driver confusion.
Get experienced help from a Wichita Falls intersection accident attorney
Injured in an intersection accident in Wichita Falls? It’s important to act quickly to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. The attorneys at Hoover Rogers Law are dedicated to thoroughly investigating intersection accidents, identifying all responsible parties, and aggressively pursuing maximum compensation on your behalf.
When you choose Hoover Rogers Law, our skilled legal team handles all negotiations with insurance companies so you can concentrate solely on your recovery. If insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to trial to get the justice and compensation you deserve. We know how to build strong cases supported by compelling evidence and ensure you're treated fairly throughout the legal process.
Our law firm offers free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront fees and owe us nothing unless we successfully obtain compensation for your case. Contact us online or call us today for your free, no-obligation consultation, and let us help you on the path to recovery.
“I hired Grant to represent me when I was rear-ended by a drunk driver. Grant … always made time for me when I had a question or concern. I know mine wasn't a large case for him, but I still received quality service.” – Tim, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐