10 Dangerous Intersections in Beaumont, TX for Car Accidents

April 1, 2024

In 2023, a troubling 1,633 car accidents occurred at intersections throughout Beaumont, Texas involving 3,364 vehicles and 4,707 individuals.

This article sheds light on the most dangerous intersections for Beaumont drivers by analyzing data from TXDOT’s CRIS system. Here, we’ll countdown the top ten most dangerous intersections in Beaumont based on the number of accidents reported in 2023.

Here’s an overview:

The below heat map illustrates car accident hotspots at intersections across Beaumont, Texas in 2023:

The following cluster map offers a detailed view of high-incident intersections and interchanges throughout the City:

10. US 90 (College St.) & Major Dr.: A Busy Intersection Near Airport

US 90 (College Street) and Major Drive, located near the Beaumont Municipal Airport, saw 18 car accidents in 2023. Traffic congestion and distracted drivers create a risky environment.

• Distracted Drivers: The airport’s proximity can lead to drivers being inattentive due to navigation apps or watching planes.
• Yielding Issues: Failing to yield the right of way, especially on Major Dr. when entering the intersection or turning left onto US 90, is a common cause of accidents.

The mix of highway speeds and local traffic creates a risky environment. Accidents here can include:

• Rear-End Collisions: Sudden stops on US 90, often caused by drivers exiting towards the airport or shopping centers, can lead to rear-end crashes.
• Side-Swipe Crashes: Misjudging gaps in traffic or failing to yield on Major Dr. can cause side-swipe accidents while turning left onto US 90.

Injuries vary depending on crash severity but may include:

• Whiplash & Soft Tissue Injuries: These are common injuries from sudden stops and impacts.
• Serious Head or Spinal Injuries: High-speed collisions, especially on US 90, can cause serious injuries.

Be aware of your surroundings and avoid distractions at this intersection, especially during peak traffic times.

9. I-10 (US 287) & Calder Ave.: A High-Risk Intersection Near CHRISTUS Dubuis Hospital

I-10 and Calder Avenue, located near CHRISTUS Dubuis Hospital of Beaumont, saw 18 car accidents in 2023.

The combination of heavy interstate traffic on I-10 and hospital-related traffic on Calder Ave. creates a high potential for accidents.

• Hospital Traffic: Drivers may be distracted by navigating to the hospital, rushing in emergencies, or looking for parking.
• Merging Difficulties: The busy flow on I-10 combined with sudden lane changes or exits related to the hospital increases the risk of collisions.

Common types of accidents at this intersection include:

• Rear-End Crashes: Sudden stops on I-10 due to exiting traffic or congestion near the hospital can lead to rear-end collisions.
• Side-Impact Accidents: Frequent lane changes and merging traffic, especially at peak times, can cause side-impact crashes.

Injuries can range from minor to severe depending on the type and speed of the impact.

• Whiplash & Soft Tissue Damage: These are common in lower-speed collisions.
• More Severe Injuries: High-speed impacts on I-10 can cause serious injuries.

Be extra cautious when approaching this intersection and anticipate sudden lane changes or merging traffic.

8. MLK Jr. Pkwy. & Wall St.: Navigating a Busy Intersection

MLK Jr. Parkway and Wall Street saw 20 car accidents in 2023.

Heavy traffic flows are a major factor leading to misjudgments and crashes.

• Traffic Volume: Both MLK Jr. Parkway and Wall Street carry a significant amount of local traffic, especially during rush hour.
• Risky Driving: Drivers may rush through red lights, fail to yield, or make unsafe lane changes due to traffic congestion.

Common types of accidents at this intersection include:

• T-Bone Crashes: These can occur when drivers run red lights or misjudge gaps in traffic.
• Side-Swipes: These can happen due to aggressive lane changes or attempting to beat yellow lights.

Injuries can range in severity:

• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Damage: Common in sudden impact collisions.
• Broken Bones & Head Injuries: May occur in more severe side-impact or T-bone crashes.

Use extra caution at this intersection, especially during peak hours, and always anticipate the actions of other drivers.

7. I-10 & N. 11th St.: Risky Merging at a Major Interchange

I-10 and North 11th Street saw 21 car accidents in 2023.

The combination of fast-moving interstate traffic and frequent merging and lane changes creates a dynamic and potentially dangerous driving environment.

• Merging & Lane Changes: Drivers merging onto I-10 or changing lanes rapidly can be a major cause of accidents.
• Misjudging Speeds: Drivers may underestimate highway speeds, leading to unsafe maneuvers and crashes.

Common types of accidents at this interchange include:

• Sideswipe Crashes: These occur when drivers misjudge lane changes or fail to check blind spots, especially at high speeds.
• Rear-End Collisions: Sudden lane changes on I-10 can lead to rear-end accidents if drivers aren’t paying close attention.

Injuries can vary depending on the speed and impact of the crash:

• Whiplash & Soft Tissue Injuries: These are common from sudden impacts.
• More Serious Injuries: High-speed crashes on interstates carry a higher risk for severe injuries.

6. US 287 & Dowlen Rd.: Hazards Near Shopping Centers

The intersection of US 287 and Dowlen Road—located near Parkdale Mall, Northpark Plaza, and the Regal Star 12 movie theater—saw 23 car accidents in 2023.

The combination of heavy shopper traffic and highway speeds creates a risky mix.

• Shopper Traffic: Drivers may be distracted by navigation, looking for parking, or exiting the shopping centers.
• Misjudging Turns: Turning left across oncoming traffic on US 287, especially during busy periods, can lead to misjudgments and crashes.

Common types of accidents at this intersection include:

• Rear-End Crashes: Sudden stops on US 287 due to exiting shoppers or congestion can cause rear-end collisions.
• T-Bone Crashes: Drivers misjudging gaps in traffic when turning left off Dowlen Rd. or exiting shopping centers can result in side-impact crashes.

Injuries can range in severity:

• Whiplash & Soft Tissue Damage: Common in sudden impact collisions.
• Serious Injuries: High speeds on US 287 can increase the risk of severe injuries in side-impact or head-on crashes.

5. TX-105 & Major Dr.: A Complex and Congested Intersection

The intersection of TX-105 & North Major Drive saw a concerning 30 car accidents in 2023.

Its complex layout with multiple lanes, turning movements, and high traffic volume create challenges for drivers.

• Confusing Layout: Multiple lanes and turning options can lead to miscommunication and confusion for drivers.
• Traffic Congestion: Heavy traffic volumes, especially during peak hours, can lead to impatience, road rage, and reckless driving behavior.

Common types of accidents at this intersection include:

• Rear-End Crashes: Sudden stops due to congestion or turning traffic can cause rear-end collisions.
• Side-Impact Accidents: Misjudging turns, gaps in traffic, or running red lights can lead to dangerous side-impact crashes.

Injuries can range in severity:

• Whiplash & Soft Tissue Damage: Common in lower-speed collisions, especially rear-end crashes.
• Serious Injuries: The potential for higher-speed impacts on TX-105 increases the risk of broken bones, brain injury, or other severe injuries.

4. I-10 & MLK Jr. Pkwy.: Busy Intersection Near Neighborhoods

I-10 and MLK Jr. Parkway—located near the Brickyard and Cable neighborhoods and Babe Zaharias Park—saw 37 car accidents in 2023.

The mix of highway traffic, local drivers, and pedestrians creates a potentially chaotic environment.

• Mixed Traffic Flows: Drivers might be distracted by exiting or entering residential areas or the park, leading to misjudgments.
• Abrupt Lane Changes: Drivers changing lanes on I-10, especially during peak traffic, can be a major cause of collisions.

Common types of accidents at this intersection include:

• Rear-End Collisions: Sudden stops on I-10 due to congestion or exiting traffic can lead to rear-end accidents.
• Side-Swipe Crashes: Misjudging merging times or failing to yield on MLK Jr. Parkway can cause side-swipe accidents.

3. I-10 & Washington Blvd.: Complex Interchange and Traffic Volume

Beaumont’s I-10 and Washington Boulevard interchange saw a staggering 49 car accidents in 2023.

The combination of multiple on- and off-ramps, merging lanes, and high interstate traffic volume creates a challenging and hazardous driving environment.

• Complex Layout: The numerous lanes and sudden exits can overwhelm drivers and lead to confusion.
• Distracted Driving: Drivers may be focused on navigating or finding the correct exit, leading to inattention and accidents.

Common types of accidents at this interchange include:

• Rear-End Crashes: Sudden stops or lane changes on I-10 can lead to rear-end collisions due to heavy traffic.
• Sideswipe Crashes: Misjudging lane changes or failing to check blind spots can cause side-swipe accidents, especially at higher speeds.

Injuries can be severe due to interstate speeds:

• Whiplash & Soft Tissue Damage: Common in sudden impact collisions.
• Traumatic Injuries: High-speed crashes at interchanges raise the risk of serious injuries like head trauma or spinal cord damage.

2. US 287 & Lucas Dr.: A Beaumont Car Crash Hotspot

The intersection of US 287 and Lucas Drive—located near the Village Shopping Center, along with neighborhoods like Treadway Place and Pine Cone—was a major accident hotspot in 2023 with 58 car accidents.

The mix of shoppers, local residents, and highway traffic contributes to the risk.

• Shopper Traffic: Drivers may be distracted while entering or leaving the shopping center, or searching for parking.
• Misjudging Turns: Turning across oncoming traffic on US 287 or entering/exiting the shopping center can lead to misjudgments and crashes.

Common types of accidents at this intersection include:

• Rear-End Crashes: Tailgating on US 287 can lead to rear-end collisions.
• T-Bone Crashes: Misjudging gaps in traffic, especially when turning left from Lucas Drive or exiting onto US 287, can result in T-bone collisions.

Injuries can range in severity:

• Whiplash & Soft Tissue Damage: Common in sudden impact collisions.
• More Serious Injuries: High speeds on US 287, particularly in side-impact crashes, increase the risk of severe injuries.

1. I-10 & College St.: Beaumont’s Most Dangerous Intersection

I-10 and College Street—located near Beaumont’s Gateway Shopping Center—topped the list with a concerning 84 car accidents in 2023.

The combination of high-speed interstate traffic, dense shopping center traffic, and multiple turning lanes creates a constantly changing and hazardous driving environment.

• Distracted Driving: Shoppers and commuters may be focused on navigating, searching for parking, or exiting the shopping center, leading to inattention.
• Tailgating & Misjudging Speeds: High speeds on I-10 increase the risk of rear-end collisions due to tailgating or sudden traffic changes.

Common types of accidents at this intersection include:

• Rear-End Crashes: Sudden stops on I-10 related to shopping center traffic or congestion can lead to chain-reaction rear-end collisions.
• Side-Impact Crashes: Lane changes, improper turns, and misjudging gaps in traffic on College St. can result in dangerous side-impact crashes.

Injuries are likely to be severe due to interstate speeds:

• Whiplash & Soft Tissue Damage: Common in sudden impact collisions.
• Other Serious & Traumatic Injuries: High-speed crashes, especially side-impact collisions, carry a heightened risk of severe injuries like broken bones, head trauma, or spinal cord damage.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You After a Beaumont Car Crash

If you’ve been injured in a Beaumont intersection accident, a car accident lawyer can help protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve. A lawyer can:

• Investigate your accident: Gather evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage, helping determine who was at fault.
• Deal with insurance companies: Handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf, protecting your rights from unfair settlement offers.
• Fight for maximum compensation: Represent you in court if necessary, and advocate for a fair outcome that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.