Top 10 Hotspots for Intersection Accidents in Harris County

Michael S. Callahan | | Auto Accidents
Top 10 Hotspots for Intersection Accidents in Harris County

The Federal Highway Administration estimates that half of all traffic injuries nationwide occur in intersection accidents, and Harris County is no exception to that. Located in Houston, one of the most dangerous driving cities, Harris County has already seen 64,367 crashes this year, with 22,018 of those crashes occurring at intersections.

What are the most dangerous intersections in Harris County?

New data from researchers at The University of Houston has identified the top ten deadliest non-freeway intersections in the county. The data is based on Harris County accident data running from March 10, 2021, to February 25 of this year. After studying data provided by the Texas Department of Transportation, the students determined the following intersections as accident hotspots:

1) Pease Street and Fannin Street

Located downtown, the intersection of Fannin Street and Pease Street clocked in as number one, with 53 accidents.

2) Bissonnet Street and Westchester Avenue

In second place is Bissonnet Street and Westchester Avenue. A reported 41 car accidents occurred in this intersection during the study period. Located in West University, this intersection is frequented by major foot and vehicle traffic.

3) Main Street and Montrose Boulevard

The intersection of Main Street and Montrose Boulevard at Mecom Fountain saw 39 accidents during the study period. Unlike the others, this intersection boasts a large roundabout, called the Mecom Fountain Roundabout. Despite a number of yield- and stop-signs, this area challenges local and visiting drivers alike.

4) FM 1960 and W. Lake Houston Parkway

The intersection of FM 1960 and W. Lake Houston Parkway in Humble also saw 39 accidents during the study period. The intersection is 8 lanes across and 6 lanes wide, and has a couple of confusing lane splits, making it a hotspot for intersection accidents.

5) S. Gessner Road and Westpark Drive

This Westchase intersection reported 39 accidents during the study period as well. Additionally, it is located near two elementary schools and a secondary school, making it a major concern for local families.

6) Spencer Road and Highway 6

37 accidents occurred at the Spencer Road and Highway 6 intersection. This northwest Houston intersection is near a middle school and a high school, and is frequented by teen drivers.

7) Highway 6 and Bellaire Boulevard

Just 12 miles south of #6 is the Highway 6 and Bellaire Boulevard intersection. This intersection saw 36 accidents, including one that resulted in a pedestrian fatality. Flanked by a major grocery store and a large high school, this intersection sees traffic all day long.

8) Treaschwig Road and FM 1960

The intersection of Treaschwig Road and FM 1960, located up towards Spring, Texas, saw 36 accidents. Unlike most intersections, this intersection’s roads are not perpendicular to each other, which can be a major point of confusion for drivers.

9) Clay Road and Barker Cypress Road

36 accidents occurred at the intersection of Clay Road and Barker Cypress Road during the study period. This Katy intersection is central to students of three different middle- and one high-school, making it a dangerous spot for area-families.

10) Highway 6 and Westheimer

The intersection of Highway 6 and Westheimer– the third Highway 6 intersection on this list—reported 36 accidents throughout the study period. Located near the West Oaks mall, this massive 16-lane intersection is a major accident hotspot.

The Numbers

While none of the areas had any one single factor in common, a few of them had low visibility due to trees or parking garages blocking the view, while others had confusing signage and complex road designs.

The students found that a quarter of the most dangerous intersections in Harris County were near schools, and that intersection accidents accounted for approximately 30% of the city’s accidents. They are hoping that their data sheds some light on the danger of intersections, and motivates drivers to make safer decisions.

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