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The Most Dangerous Intersections in Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is one of the South’s premier coastal destinations, attracting visitors from across the country and serving as a vibrant home for thousands of residents. While collisions can occur anywhere, intersections are particularly high-risk areas—and several of the most dangerous in the state are in Virginia Beach. If you’ve been in an accident, having a local and experienced legal team by your side during these challenging times can make all the difference.
Rutter Mills Accident Lawyers have been serving the community for decades, earning a reputation for our dedication, compassion, and exceptional legal expertise. Our experienced car accident lawyers in Virginia Beach are the go-to choice for people seeking justice and compensation for their cases. Schedule a free consultation today.
Virginia Beach’s Most Dangerous Intersections
Virginia Beach had 5,317 crashes in 2022. Almost half of these led to injuries and 29 fatalities. This underscores the critical need for heightened traffic safety measures and awareness.
The most dangerous intersections include the following:
- Virginia Beach Boulevard and Independence Boulevard
- Lynnhaven Parkway and Princess Anne Road
- Holland Road and Rosemont Road
- Shore Drive and Great Neck Road
- Laskin Road and First Colonial Road
These locations have been frequently cited in traffic studies and reports as areas with elevated accident risks due to high traffic volumes, complex layouts, and a mix of vehicle, pedestrian, and cyclist activity. In addition, intersections like Indian River Road and Kempsville Road, as well as First Colonial Road and Virginia Beach Boulevard, have also ranked among the most dangerous.
Common Types of Accidents
Intersections are among the most complex and hazardous areas on any roadway, and those in Virginia Beach are no exception. While various factors contribute to accident risk, including driver behavior and traffic volume, certain types of collisions are prevalent at these high-risk junctions.
The most common types of accidents at intersections include:
- Left-turn collisions: Drivers can misjudge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic while attempting to turn left.
- Rear-end accidents during congestion: When traffic is stop-and-go, drivers may follow too closely and not have enough time to react to sudden stops.
- T-bone accidents at high-speed junctions: Also known as side-impact collisions, these occur when drivers run red lights or fail to yield the right-of-way.
- Pedestrian and cyclist involvement: Pedestrians and cyclists are especially vulnerable at busy intersections, where they may be struck by turning or crossing vehicles.
What Makes an Intersection Dangerous?
Several key factors contribute to the frequency of accidents at intersections in Virginia Beach:
- High-Traffic Volume Intersections: Four-way stops can be especially confusing, particularly when they lack traffic signals. Drivers often struggle to determine right-of-way, and heavy traffic can lead to impatience, rushed decisions, and preventable mistakes.
- Poor Intersection Design: Some intersections have confusing signage, inadequate lighting, or overly complex lane configurations. These design flaws can make it difficult for drivers to safely navigate heavy or fast-moving traffic.
- Limited Visibility: Fog, heavy rain, and severe summer storms, including hurricanes, can reduce visibility and create hazardous driving conditions, especially at complex intersections.
- New Traffic Patterns: Intersections like the one at Indian River and Kempsville Rd, that have undergone substantial construction resulting in new traffic patterns can make even local drivers unsure about lane choice and merge patterns.
How to Safely Navigate High-Risk Intersections
While no one can eliminate the risk of an accident—whether in Virginia Beach or elsewhere—there are proactive steps you can take to protect yourself and others on the road:
- Practice defensive driving techniques. Always stay aware of your surroundings and anticipate the actions of other drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Assume the worst!
- Pay close attention to traffic signals and signage. Be prepared to stop or yield to the right of way.
- Consider the time of day. During rush hour, intersections become more congested and dangerous. Whenever possible, choose alternative routes to avoid these high-risk areas.
- If you witness an accident, pull over to a safe location and call 911. Give the dispatcher as much information as possible. Include the location, the number of vehicles involved, and any visible injuries.
Taking these simple precautions can make a meaningful difference in promoting safety on Virginia Beach roads.
City Response and Planned Improvements
Virginia Beach launched a road safety plan in December 2024. Overall, the goal is to reduce the number of crashes and the severity of injuries. Here are some of the more specific actions they’ve taken:
Recent Safety Modifications
The city is working to fix roadway safety for vehicles and pedestrians. For example, improvements to Winston Salem Avenue aim to revamp connections between Mediterranean Avenue, the Rudee Loop Walkway, and Pacific Avenue. This initiative will also enhance safety and visual appeal by adding new sidewalks, bike lanes, lighting, landscaping, on-street parking, crosswalks, and accessibility features.
Upcoming Infrastructure Projects
The Virginia Beach Trail program will provide safe spaces for cyclists and pedestrians to explore the city. This 10-foot-wide, paved, 12-mile-long trail will go from Town Center to Newton Road. The city has also planned several infrastructure projects to address design flaws and increase the capacity of intersections.
Traffic Management Technologies
Virginia Beach is actively implementing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to enhance safety and efficiency at intersections. These technologies include traffic signal systems, video surveillance, and automated toll collection, all aimed at reducing congestion and improving roadway safety. The Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO) supports these initiatives, promoting a unified regional transportation system through ITS technologies.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Rutter Mills
At Rutter Mills, we prioritize our clients and put your needs at the forefront of our practice. Our reputation speaks for itself—for over 65 years, our Virginia Beach car accident lawyers have been recognized locally and nationally by our clients, peers, and the media. If you’ve been in a car accident, trust our experienced team to protect your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.
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