January 8, 2022

Most Dangerous Intersections in Manhattan for Car Accidents

By Jonathan Damashek

Posted in Auto Accidents

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There are more than 228,000 car accidents in New York City every year, many of them occurring at intersections in Manhattan. Intersections are the riskiest places for drivers for a multitude of factors. Read below to learn about Manhattan’s most dangerous intersections.

Top 10 Intersections in Manhattan with the Most Crashes

Manhattan intersections can be hazardous because they involve complex signage and reduced speed limits. Cars often have to slow down and allow pedestrians to cross unexpectedly.

New York City evaluated these intersections and deemed them the most dangerous based on crash numbers in 2020 and 2021.

The top 20 dangerous intersections in Manhattan include:

  • Ludlow Street and Rivington Street
  • Clinton Street and Rivington Street
  • 34th Street and 7th Avenue
  • 42nd Street and 9th Avenue
  • 57th Street and 3rd Avenue
  • The Bowery and Kenmare Street
  • 42nd Street and 8th Avenue
  • 2nd Avenue and E. 59th Street
  • 6th Avenue and W. 23rd Street
  • Chrystie Street and Delancey Street

These intersections have multiple accidents every month, some as high as one or two per week on average.

Car Accident Statistics in Manhattan

Around 20% of all car accidents in New York City occur in Manhattan. That’s approximately 45,600 per year.

Compared to the other New York City boroughs, Manhattan has fewer car accident injuries and deaths each year. That’s because Manhattan is a very “walkable” urban area, and speed limits are lower through those pedestrian zones.

However, according to the New York Police Department, there are still approximately 40 deaths due to car accidents each year in Manhattan, with more than 25 pedestrian deaths.

Common Causes of Crashes in Manhattan

Manhattan has a lot of roads with complex signage, street markings, and pedestrian and cyclist usage. This blend of traffic, combined with the sheer volume of people living in Manhattan, can lead to accidents caused by:

  • Failure to yield the right-of-way
  • Alcohol or drug impairment
  • Improper passing or lane usage
  • Distracted driving
  • Driver inexperience
  • Following too closely
  • Aggressive driving (road rage)
  • Passing too closely
  • Unsafe lane changing
  • Speeding

Manhattan also attracts millions of visitors every year. Everyone who uses Manhattan roads should know the rules, but this is not always the case.

Call a Manhattan Car Accident Lawyer for Help

If you or a loved one is involved in a crash, contact an experienced Manhattan car accident lawyer right away. Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., works with clients throughout Manhattan and surrounding areas.

Call us today at (212) 490-5700 or use our online contact form to schedule a free case consultation.