If you live in Alexandria, VA, you know that the roads can be crazy. With so many people trying to get around, it’s no wonder that there are some dangerous intersections in the city.
While we can’t predict every danger on the road, we can take precautions to lower the risk of being in an accident. If you live in or are visiting Alexandria, here are some of the most dangerous intersections in Alexandria.
Capital Beltway/Interstate95/Interstate495
Based on collected data from Virginia’s Traffic Records Electronic Data System and National Park Service, the Capital Beltway is known as one of the most dangerous highways that runs through Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C.
On the Virginia side of the highway, the middle point between these three highways is one of the most dangerous areas in the city for drivers. In 2020, 40 accidents occurred at this junction.
I-395
On the far west side of the city, near the overpass with Duke Street/Route 236, numerous accidents resulted from drivers merging on and off on one of many exits.
Belle View Boulevard @ George Washington Memorial Parkway
The Belle View Boulevard is a dangerous intersection specifically for vehicles trying to turn right or left onto the parkway. In 2019, 68 accidents occurred at this intersection.
Morningside Lane @ George Washington Memorial Parkway
Linked to the Inova Mount Vernon Hospital, Mount Vernon Governmental Center, Sherwood Regional Library, and Fairfax County fire and police stations, 64 accidents occurred at this intersection in 2019.
Belle Haven Road @ George Washington Memorial Parkway
With 56 crashes, this intersection is particularly dangerous for drivers trying to turn.
Collingwood Road @ George Washington Memorial Parkway
In 2019, 41 car accidents happened at this intersection.
Vernon View Drive @ George Washington Memorial Parkway
Off of George Memorial Parkwood, this intersection saw 24 accidents in 2019.
Tulane Drive @ George Washington Memorial Parkway
Not far from Vernon View Drive, Tulane Drive is close to the Mount Vernon Trail, and had 22 accidents occur in 2019.
State Route 7/King Street
This commercial road is responsible for many traffic accidents in Alexandria. The stretch of road between I-395 and W. Braddock Road saw more than ten accidents in 2020.
Washington Street
In 2020, more than thirty accidents were reported along Washington Street in downtown Arlington.
Dangerous Zones for Vulnerable Users
A vulnerable user is defined as a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist who is less visible to drivers and more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a crash. According to data from Alexandria Families for Safe Streets near miss/dangerous locations survey, one of the most dangerous zones for pedestrians exists near the Richmond Highway in Hybla Valley near Mount Vernon and Old Town, at King Street between Patrick and Henry Streets in Alexandria.
Additionally, almost 900 drivers were involved in near misses with vulnerable users throughout Fairfax County, Arlington County, and Alexandria, with over 70% occurring in the city.
The Best Way to Avoid Accidents in Alexandria Virginia
There are a few things that you can do to avoid accidents at these intersections.
- Pay attention to the traffic signals. They are there for a reason, and if you ignore them, you could cause an accident.
- Be aware of your surroundings. If you see a car approaching you that looks like it might not stop, be prepared to take evasive action.
- Use caution when making turns. Don’t try to speed through the turn or cut someone off.
- Follow the speed limit. Speeding is the cause of most traffic accidents. Keep an eye on the posted speed limit.
By following these simple tips, you can help make Alexandria’s roads safer for everyone.
Hire a Car Accident Attorney For Your Case
Unfortunately, there is no way to completely avoid the risk of an accident. Some factors that contribute to an accident are out of our control. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Alexandria, don’t hesitate to reach out to the car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.
Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation, and we have more than 100 years of combined experience. All of our partners are recognized by Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers®, and our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C.
We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered, but our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or contact us online to get the proven legal representation you deserve.