What are the most dangerous intersections in Denver?

Denver, Colorado is a thriving city with a bustling transportation system. With over 1.4 million residents and a constant flow of visitors, the city sees a high volume of traffic on its streets. Unfortunately, this also means that there are several intersections in Denver that are notorious for their high rates of car accidents. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the top ten most dangerous intersections in Denver for car accidents, including statistics for the number of accidents that occur at each location.

Each year, the Denver Police Department releases its most dangerous intersections for car accidents. Many of these intersections are notorious for a large number of auto collisions each year. Some, like Colorado Boulevard and East Colfax Avenue, ebb and flow from the worst, but many are consistent winners of this unfortunate prize. According to the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) there are 220 traffic collisions daily in Denver, Colorado.

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What makes these Denver intersections so dangerous?

A number of factors can play a role in making some intersections more dangerous than others. Undoubtedly, the more vehicles that pass through the intersection, the more chances of auto accidents. That is not the only reason. Intersections can have an increased risk of car crashes due to:

• Complexity in the number of lanes at the intersection
• Congestion of motor vehicles, bicycles, electric scooters, pedestrians and other roadway occupants
• Construction at or near the intersection
• Visual distractions around the intersection

None of these reasons justify a collision, however, we know as Denver car accident attorneys that crashes are seemingly inevitable due to the volume of traffic on the roads.

Top 10 most dangerous intersections in Denver for auto accidents

The most recent Denver Police Department data released indicates ten intersections across Colorado’s capital rank the most dangerous for car accidents. These include:

1. Colfax and Broadway
2. Federal Boulevard and Alameda Avenue
3. Colorado Boulevard and Evans Avenue
4. Quebec Street and 36th Avenue
5. Colorado Boulevard and Mississippi Avenue
6. Lincoln Street and Colfax Avenue
7. Colorado Boulevard and Alameda Avenue
8. Leetsdale Drive and Colorado Boulevard
9. Havana Street and Mississippi Avenue
10. Speer Boulevard and Lincoln Street

Traffic accidents can occur anywhere in Denver and beyond in Colorado. You should always drive carefully to avoid a crash but pay special attention in and around these dangerous street intersections.

Colfax Avenue and Broadway

At the top of the list is the intersection of Colfax Avenue and Broadway. This intersection is located in the heart of downtown Denver and is one of the busiest intersections in the city, with over 100,000 vehicles passing through each day. Unfortunately, this high volume of traffic also makes it one of the most dangerous intersections for car accidents. In 2019, there were 128 car accidents at this location, making it the most dangerous intersection in Denver.

One of the factors that makes this intersection so dangerous is the sheer volume of traffic. With so many vehicles passing through, it can be difficult for drivers to stay focused and alert. Additionally, the intersection is surrounded by several popular attractions, including the Colorado State Capitol and the Denver Art Museum, which can be a distraction for drivers.

To improve safety at this intersection, the City of Denver has implemented several measures, including improved signage and signal timing. Additionally, the city has launched a public awareness campaign to encourage drivers to be more aware of their surroundings when approaching this intersection.

Federal Boulevard and Alameda Avenue

The intersection of Federal Boulevard and Alameda Avenue is located in the Westwood neighborhood and is the second-most dangerous intersection in Denver. In 2019, there were 110 car accidents at this location. One of the factors that contributes to the high number of accidents at this intersection is the layout of the intersection itself. Federal Boulevard is a busy arterial road with six lanes of traffic, while Alameda Avenue is a smaller street with only two lanes. This can create confusion for drivers, especially during rush hour when traffic is heavy.

To improve safety at this intersection, the city of Denver has implemented several measures, including new signage and pavement markings to help guide drivers through the intersection. Additionally, the city has installed new pedestrian crossings and improved lighting to make the intersection safer for pedestrians.

Colorado Boulevard and Evans Avenue

The intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Evans Avenue is located in the University Hills neighborhood and is the third-most dangerous intersection in Denver. In 2019, there were 92 car accidents at this location. One of the factors that contributes to the high number of accidents at this intersection is the high volume of traffic, especially during rush hour.

To improve safety at this intersection, the city of Denver has implemented several measures, including new signal timing to help manage traffic flow. Additionally, the city has installed new pedestrian crossings and improved lighting to make the intersection safer for pedestrians.

Quebec Street and 36th Avenue

The intersection of Quebec Street and 36th Avenue is located in the Park Hill neighborhood and is the fourth-most dangerous intersection in Denver. In 2019, there were 84 car accidents at this location. One of the factors that contributes to the high number of accidents at this intersection is the layout of the intersection itself. Quebec Street is a busy arterial road with six lanes of traffic, while 36th Avenue is a smaller street with only two lanes. This can create confusion for drivers, especially during rush hour when traffic is heavy.

To improve safety at this intersection, the city of Denver has implemented several measures, including new signage and pavement markings to help guide drivers through the intersection. Additionally, the city has installed new pedestrian crossings and improved lighting to make the intersection safer for pedestrians.

Colorado Boulevard and Mississippi Avenue

The intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Mississippi Avenue is located in the Virginia Village neighborhood and is the fifth-most dangerous intersection in Denver. In 2019, there were 78 car accidents at this location. One of the factors that contributes to the high number of accidents at this intersection is the high volume of traffic, especially during rush hour.

To improve safety at this intersection, the city of Denver has implemented several measures, including new signal timing to help manage traffic flow. Additionally, the city has installed new pedestrian crossings and improved lighting to make the intersection safer for pedestrians.

Lincoln Street and Colfax Avenue

The intersection of Lincoln Street and Colfax Avenue is located in the Capitol Hill neighborhood and is the sixth-most dangerous intersection in Denver. In 2019, there were 77 car accidents at this location. One of the factors that contributes to the high number of accidents at this intersection is the layout of the intersection itself. Colfax Avenue is a busy arterial road with six lanes of traffic, while Lincoln Street is a smaller street with only two lanes. This can create confusion for drivers, especially during rush hour when traffic is heavy.

To improve safety at this intersection, the city of Denver has implemented several measures, including new signage and pavement markings to help guide drivers through the intersection. Additionally, the city has installed new pedestrian crossings and improved lighting to make the intersection safer for pedestrians.

Colorado Boulevard and Alameda Avenue

The intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Alameda Avenue is located in the Virginia Village neighborhood and is the seventh-most dangerous intersection in Denver. In 2019, there were 72 car accidents at this location. One of the factors that contributes to the high number of accidents at this intersection is the high volume of traffic, especially during rush hour.

To improve safety at this intersection, the city of Denver has implemented several measures, including new signal timing to help manage traffic flow. Additionally, the city has installed new pedestrian crossings and improved lighting to make the intersection safer for pedestrians.

Leetsdale Drive and Colorado Boulevard

The intersection of Leetsdale Drive and Colorado Boulevard is located in the Hilltop neighborhood and is the eighth-most dangerous intersection in Denver. In 2019, there were 70 car accidents at this location. One of the factors that contributes to the high number of accidents at this intersection is the layout of the intersection itself. Leetsdale Drive is a busy arterial road with six lanes of traffic, while Colorado Boulevard is a smaller street with only two lanes. This can create confusion for drivers, especially during rush hour when traffic is heavy.

To improve safety at this intersection, the city of Denver has implemented several measures, including new signage and pavement markings to help guide drivers through the intersection. Additionally, the city has installed new pedestrian crossings and improved lighting to make the intersection safer for pedestrians.

Havana Street and Mississippi Avenue

The intersection of Havana Street and Mississippi Avenue is located in the Dayton Triangle neighborhood and is the ninth-most dangerous intersection in Denver. In 2019, there were 69 car accidents at this location. One of the factors that contributes to the high number of accidents at this intersection is the high volume of traffic, especially during rush hour.

To improve safety at this intersection, the city of Denver has implemented several measures, including new signal timing to help manage traffic flow. Additionally, the city has installed new pedestrian crossings and improved lighting to make the intersection safer for pedestrians.

Speer Boulevard and Lincoln Street

The intersection of Speer Boulevard and Lincoln Street is located in the Golden Triangle neighborhood and is the tenth-most dangerous intersection in Denver. In 2019, there were 68 car accidents at this location. One of the factors that contributes to the high number of accidents at this intersection is the layout of the intersection itself. Speer Boulevard is a busy arterial road with multiple lanes of traffic in each direction, while Lincoln Street is a smaller street with only two lanes. This can create confusion for drivers, especially during rush hour when traffic is heavy.

To improve safety at this intersection, the City of Denver has implemented several measures, including new signage and pavement markings to help guide drivers through the intersection. Additionally, the city has installed new pedestrian crossings and improved lighting to make the intersection safer for pedestrians.

Overall, the City of Denver is taking steps to improve safety at these dangerous intersections. By implementing new traffic signals, pavement markings, signage, and pedestrian crossings, the city is working to reduce the number of car accidents and injuries at these intersections. However, it is important for drivers to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially when driving through these high-risk intersections. By taking caution and following traffic laws, drivers can help prevent accidents and keep themselves and others safe on the roads.

Most dangerous intersections for pedestrian crashes

Of course, motor vehicles are not the only roadway occupants at risk for collisions. Several Denver intersections are high risk for pedestrian accidents where cars and other automobiles crash into pedestrians. These collisions can result in extensive injuries or even fatalities. Our Denver pedestrian accident lawyers help victims of pedestrian collisions at these and other intersections.

The seven most dangerous Denver intersections for pedestrian crashes include:

1. Market Street and 20th Street
2. North Lincoln Street and East Colfax Avenue
3. North Broadway Street and East 13th Avenue
4. Blake Street and 20th Street
5. South University Boulevard and East Asbury Avenue
6. South Colorado Boulevard and East Mississippi Avenue
7. West Evans Avenue and South Federal Boulevard

These intersections are high risk because they are highly walked by pedestrians. Unsurprisingly, many of these intersections are near colleges and downtown areas with a high volume of foot traffic.

Highest risk intersections in Denver for bike accidents

Bicyclists are also at a high risk of accident injuries in Denver where there are more bikes on the road. Surprisingly, as one journalist discovered, as bicycle infrastructure grows with the city, the number of bicycle accidents is actually decreasing at the most dangerous intersections. That indicates increased infrastructure in Denver is effective at increasing bike safety despite more bicycles on Denver roads than ever before. Nevertheless, no cyclist wants to be the victim of a bicycle accident. These collisions often result in severe and fatal injuries, as well. Be careful around these most dangerous Denver intersections for cyclists:

1. East Lincoln and Speer
2. North Lincoln and Colfax
3. 15th Street and Wynkoop Street
4. Curtis Street and Park Avenue
5. Alameda Avenue and South Broadway
6. East 16th Street and Park Avenue
7. West Colfax and Interstate 25
8. 15th Street and Champa
9. East 11th Avenue and Lincoln Street
10. East 12th Avenue and Broadway

Use caution when sharing Denver streets

A traffic accident can occur on even the most quiet, safe streets in Denver. Drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and other road occupants like e-scooter riders, bus or light rail passengers, and skateboarders, should always share the roads with caution for their own safety. Some streets and intersections, due to a variety of factors like congestion, complexity and distractions, can increase the risk of accidents to any person on the road. If you find yourself at any of these intersections, give yourself a little extra caution when proceeding. Your life and livelihood is worth it. If you are in a collision, our Denver personal injury attorneys are a phone call or text away to help you get the medical care you need and the compensation you deserve.