10 Dangerous Intersections in Denton, TX for Car Accidents

March 21, 2024

In 2023, Denton, Texas, experienced a concerning number of car accidents at intersections. These collisions totaled 1,364 crashes, involving 2,862 vehicles and affecting 3,791 people.

This article is based on data in TXDOT’s CRIS system. Here’s an overview:

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

The following cluster map offers a detailed look into the 2023 car wrecks at intersections in Denton, highlighting the high-incident areas throughout the city:

10. Loop 288 & Colorado Blvd.: A Hotspot for Auto Accidents

17 car accidents occurred at Loop 288 and Colorado Blvd in 2023.

This intersection sits in southeast Denton and is a stone’s throw away from the Golden Triangle Mall, the Southridge neighborhood, and Denton Town Centre. Its mix of loop and arterial roads, coupled with its proximity to busy retail and residential areas, makes it a particularly challenging intersection to navigate.

The high volume of traffic likely plays a big role in the accident rate here. Factors that might make this intersection especially dangerous include:

• Confusing lane markings, which can lead to sudden lane changes or wrong turns.
• Drivers trying to make last-minute turns to reach the mall, resulting in risky maneuvers.
• Overall traffic congestion, especially during peak hours when shoppers and residents are on the move.

Given these unique features, the following types of collisions are common at Loop 288 & Colorado Blvd:

• Rear-end collisions: With frequent stop-and-go traffic due to congestion and last-minute mall entrances, rear-end collisions are a major concern. Inattentive drivers or sudden stops can easily lead to these accidents.
• Side-impact accidents: Unclear lane markings and drivers attempting to switch lanes to reach exits or the mall can cause side-swipe collisions.
• Accidents involving left turns: Left turns across high-speed traffic on Loop 288 can be dangerous, especially with limited turning lanes or impatient drivers. This can lead to left-turn accidents.

The types of injuries likely to occur at this intersection are often associated with the common collisions mentioned above:

• Whiplash: The sudden force of a rear-end collision can cause whiplash, a neck injury resulting from the rapid back-and-forth movement of the head.
• Broken bones: Depending on the severity of the impact, side-impact and head-on collisions can cause broken bones in the arms, legs, or ribs.
• Head injuries: Side-impact collisions can also lead to head injuries, ranging from concussions to more serious trauma. The high speeds on Loop 288 increase the risk of severe head injuries.

9. US Highway 380 (University Dr.) & N. Mayhill Rd.: A High-Risk Intersection near Denton ISD Schools

17 car accidents occurred at US Highway 380 (University Dr.) and N. Mayhill Rd. in 2023.

This busy intersection is located in west Denton, and has several Denton ISD schools in the vicinity. US 380 (University Dr.) is a major east-west highway with high-speed traffic, while N. Mayhill Rd. is a busier artery with lots of traffic coming in and out of school zones.

The combination of high speeds, school traffic, and possible distractions creates a dangerous mix. Here’s why this intersection sees a high number of accidents:

• Speeding on US 380: Drivers on the highway may not adjust their speed quickly enough when approaching the school zone, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Rush-hour congestion: Peak drop-off and pickup times at the nearby schools significantly increase traffic volume, making the intersection more chaotic.
• Distracted driving: Drivers and pedestrians focused on navigating school drop-off areas may be less attentive to the surrounding traffic.

These factors increase the likelihood of the following types of collisions:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops in school traffic zones, especially with speeding traffic on US 380, can easily lead to rear-end accidents.
• Side-impact accidents: Drivers entering or exiting school zones onto US 380 might misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic or fail to yield, causing side-impact collisions.
• Accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists: Increased pedestrian traffic during school hours puts children and cyclists at a higher risk of being struck by vehicles, especially if drivers are distracted or speeding.

Injuries common to the types of collisions expected at this intersection can include:

• Whiplash: Typical of rear-end collisions, which are more likely near schools.
• Broken bones and lacerations: More likely in side-impact collisions and accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists.
• Head injuries: Especially severe injuries are a significant risk for cyclists or pedestrians who are struck by vehicles.

8. I-35E (US 77) & Loop 288: Navigating a Complex Interchange

18 car accidents occurred at I-35E (US 77) and Loop 288 in 2023. This interchange is located in southeast Denton, close to Golden Triangle Mall, the Southridge neighborhood, and Denton Town Centre. This intersection is particularly complex, where two major roads intersect with a network of entry and exit ramps.

This interchange’s design and the high traffic volume contribute to its accident rate. Specifically, the following factors increase the risk:

• Merging traffic: Drivers merging onto and off the highways, often at high speeds, can lead to collisions if drivers misjudge gaps or change lanes suddenly.
• Lane confusion: The numerous lanes and potential for drivers to misinterpret lane markings within the interchange can result in unexpected lane changes and sideswipe accidents.
• Heavy traffic during peak hours: Commuting hours create bottlenecks where quick stops and lane changes are more likely, increasing the risk of accidents.

Interchanges like this often see the following types of collisions:

• Sideswipes: Misjudged lane changes are common in complex high-traffic interchanges, often leading to sideswipe collisions.
• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops or slowing traffic, especially while merging, raise the chance of a rear-end collision.
• Multi-vehicle accidents: The congested flow of traffic on highways, often at high speeds, can lead to chain-reaction accidents involving several vehicles.

Due to the higher speeds on highways, injuries suffered in accidents at this interchange have the potential to be more severe:

• Broken bones: The force of impact in highway collisions can easily cause broken bones, especially in extremities.
• Head and spinal cord trauma: Severe head, neck, and spinal cord injuries can occur in high-impact accidents on highways.
• Internal injuries: High-speed collisions can result in internal injuries, which may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.

7. Eagle Dr. & S. Elm St.: A Busy Crossroads

18 car accidents occurred at Eagle Dr. and S. Elm St. in 2023. This intersection is a major crossroads in Denton, with significant traffic due to its nearby businesses and access to residential neighborhoods. Its mix of multi-lane roads and busy commercial areas generate heavy traffic flow.

Here’s a breakdown of why this intersection is prone to accidents:

• High traffic volume: The sheer number of vehicles passing through the intersection, especially during peak hours, increases the likelihood of collisions.
• Commercial distractions: Drivers might be focused on navigating busy parking lots or searching for businesses, leading to reduced attention on the road.
• Potential for limited visibility: Depending on turning lanes and parked cars, drivers might have reduced visibility when entering or turning at the intersection.

These factors increase the likelihood of the following types of collisions:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops or slowdowns can lead to rear-end collisions, especially in busy traffic.
• Side-impact accidents: Drivers attempting turns or changing lanes might misjudge oncoming traffic or have reduced visibility, leading to T-bone collisions.
• Accidents involving pedestrians: Increased foot traffic from nearby businesses puts pedestrians at risk of being struck by vehicles, especially if drivers are distracted.

Injuries stemming from the types of collisions common at this intersection can include:

• Whiplash: Typical of rear-end collisions.
• Broken bones and lacerations: More likely in side-impact collisions.
• Head injuries: Especially severe injuries are a significant risk for pedestrians who are struck by vehicles.

6. Loop 288 & E. McKinney St.: Navigating Through a Busy Commercial Area

19 car accidents occurred at Loop 288 & E. McKinney St. in 2023. This intersection is located in a heavily commercialized part of Denton, surrounded by businesses and shopping centers. It’s a crossroads between a major loop road and a multi-lane arterial street, creating a high-traffic environment.

The following factors contribute to the high accident rate at this intersection:

• Heavy commercial traffic: The constant flow of vehicles entering and exiting businesses creates a chaotic traffic pattern.
• Frequent turning movements: Drivers making numerous left and right turns across multiple lanes of traffic increases the risk of misjudgments and collisions.
• Potential distractions: Drivers focusing on business signs, parking lots, or other commercial areas may be less attentive to traffic signals and other vehicles.

Given these challenges, this intersection is likely to see the following types of collisions:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops, especially with distracted drivers, are a major cause of rear-end accidents in commercial areas.
• Side-impact accidents: Misjudged turns, lane changes, and visibility issues related to navigating commercial areas can all lead to side-impact collisions.
• Parking lot accidents: The merging of traffic from parking lots with the main roads creates potential for fender benders and more serious collisions.

Potential injuries arising from these collision types could include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Sudden impacts in rear-end and side-impact accidents often cause whiplash and other muscle strains.
• Broken bones: Depending on the force of impact, broken bones, especially in extremities, are possible in side-impact or parking lot collisions.
• Lacerations and contusions: These injuries are possible in any type of accident, but the mix of traffic and potential for debris in a commercial area can increase the risk.

5. I-35E & Fort Worth Dr.: A High-Traffic Interchange Near UNT

19 car accidents occurred at I-35E and Fort Worth Dr. in 2023. This interchange is located near the University of North Texas (UNT), creating a complex mix of highway traffic, student commuters, and traffic associated with nearby businesses. Its design as an interchange, combined with the influx of student traffic, leads to a challenging driving environment.

Here’s why this intersection is particularly accident-prone:

• Heavy commuter traffic: Peak hours see a significant increase in traffic from students traveling to and from UNT, adding to the already busy highway flow.
• Merging and lane changes: Drivers entering and exiting the highway must navigate multiple lanes of traffic, often at high speeds, increasing the risk of misjudgments and collisions.
• Potential for distractions: Student drivers may be less experienced and more likely to be distracted by phones, conversations, or navigating an unfamiliar area.

With these factors in play, the most common types of collisions at this interchange are likely:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops or changes in traffic flow, especially during peak hours, can easily lead to rear-end collisions with distracted or inexperienced drivers.
• Sideswipes: Merging traffic and last-minute lane changes on the highway can cause sideswipe collisions, especially as traffic enters and exits the UNT area.
• Multi-vehicle accidents: The congested traffic flow, especially when mixed with inexperienced drivers, increases the potential for chain-reaction accidents.

Injuries sustained in this type of environment can range in severity:

• Whiplash: Typical of rear-end collisions, which are more likely near universities and major commuting routes.
• Broken bones and lacerations: More likely in sideswipe collisions and multi-vehicle accidents.
• Head and spinal cord injuries: The potential for high-speed impacts on the highway increases the risk of severe head and spinal cord trauma.

4. US 380 (W. University Dr.) & N. Carroll Blvd.: Where a Highway Meets a Busy Road

22 car accidents occurred at US 380 (W. University Dr.) & N. Carroll Blvd. in 2023. This intersection is located near the Denton Center Shopping Center and sees a mix of high-speed traffic on the highway and slower, more localized traffic on N. Carroll Blvd. This combination of traffic patterns can create challenges for drivers.

Here’s a breakdown of why this intersection sees a high number of accidents:

• Speed differentials: The difference in speed between the highway and local traffic can make it difficult for drivers to judge gaps when entering or crossing US 380.
• Visibility challenges: Buildings, parked vehicles, or landscaping near the intersection might decrease visibility for drivers turning or merging onto the highway.
• Distractions related to shopping: Drivers focused on reaching businesses or parking lots may pay less attention to the changing traffic signals and conditions.

Given these conditions, this intersection could see the following types of collisions:

• Side-impact collisions: Drivers attempting to cross or turn onto the fast-moving highway might misjudge speeds or have limited visibility, leading to dangerous side-impact collisions.
• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops by cars entering the highway or unexpected slowdowns on US-380 itself can easily cause rear-end accidents.
• Accidents involving pedestrians: Increased pedestrian traffic near shopping centers puts walkers at risk, especially if drivers are distracted or if visibility at the intersection is reduced.

Injuries stemming from the types of collisions expected at this intersection can include:

• Whiplash: Common in rear-end collisions, which are more likely at intersections with speed differentials and potential distractions.
• Broken bones and head injuries: More likely in severe side-impact collisions, especially when high speeds are involved.
• Pedestrian injuries: Pedestrians lack protection in a collision, making any impact potentially harmful and causing a range of injuries from lacerations to severe trauma.

3. US 380 (W. University Dr.) & N. Elm St.: A Major Crossroads near TWU

27 car accidents occurred at US 380 (W. University Dr.) & N. Elm St. in 2023. This busy intersection is located near Texas Woman’s University (TWU) and the Denton Center Shopping Center. It’s a crossroads between a major highway and a multi-lane arterial road, with influences from both student traffic and shoppers.

Several factors likely contribute to the significant number of accidents at this intersection:

• High-volume traffic: The constant flow of highway traffic, combined with local traffic generated by TWU and nearby shopping areas, creates congestion and a higher likelihood of accidents.
• Potential for sudden stops: University traffic can lead to unexpected slowdowns or stops as students navigate to and from campus. This can be particularly dangerous when mixed with higher-speed highway traffic.
• Multiple turn lanes: Intersections with multiple left-turn and right-turn lanes can cause confusion, especially for unfamiliar drivers, leading to improper lane changes or turning mistakes.

These conditions increase the likelihood of the following types of collisions:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops, particularly in mixed-traffic areas around universities, are a major cause of rear-end accidents.
• Side-impact collisions: Turning errors, misjudged lane changes, and drivers not yielding properly are all potential causes of side-impact collisions at busy crossroads like this.
• Accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists: Increased student pedestrian and cyclist traffic puts these vulnerable road users at higher risk, especially at complex intersections.

Injuries likely to result from these types of collisions could include:

• Whiplash and soft-tissue injuries: Common in rear-end and sudden-impact accidents.
• Broken bones and lacerations: Possible in side-impact collisions or those involving pedestrians or cyclists.
• Head and neck injuries: Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly susceptible to severe head and neck injuries due to a lack of protection in a collision with a vehicle.

2. I-35 & Loop 288: A Major Interstate Interchange

44 car accidents occurred at I-35 and Loop 288 in 2023. This complex interchange is located near Stonehill Center and connects two heavily trafficked routes. The high volume of traffic and the intricate network of ramps and lanes make it a particularly challenging area for drivers.

Here’s why this interchange has such a high collision rate:

• Heavy traffic flow: As a major intersection of two busy roads, the sheer volume of traffic increases the chances of accidents, especially during peak commuting hours.
• Merging and weaving: Drivers entering and exiting the highways must merge and change lanes across multiple lanes of high-speed traffic. Misjudgments are common.
• Potential for sudden stops: Congestion and bottlenecks can lead to sudden slowdowns or stops, increasing the risk of multi-vehicle chain reactions.

Common collisions at an interchange of this size and complexity include:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops or changes in traffic flow are major culprits of rear-end collisions on highways.
• Sideswipes: Misjudging gaps while merging or changing lanes is easy and can lead to sideswipe collisions.
• Multi-vehicle accidents: The high speeds and amount of traffic create a greater possibility for multi-vehicle collisions with a high potential for severe damage and injuries.

Due to the high speeds and potential for multiple cars to be involved, injuries at this intersection can be particularly severe:

• Head and spinal cord injuries: The force of impact in a multi-vehicle highway accident significantly increases the risk of severe head and spinal injury.
• Broken bones: Broken bones, especially in the limbs, are common in high-speed collisions with sudden impact.
• Internal injuries: These potentially life-threatening injuries may not be immediately obvious but are more likely in major highway accidents.

1. I-35 & US 380 (W. University Dr.): Denton’s Most Dangerous Intersection

53 car accidents occurred at I-35 & US 380 (W. University Dr.) in 2023.

This interchange sees a mix of high-speed interstate traffic, local traffic from the highway, and traffic associated with nearby businesses like Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton, the Alamo Drafthouse Denton, and Denton Municipal Airport. This combination of traffic patterns creates a complex and dangerous situation.

Here’s a breakdown of why this interchange tops the list for accidents:

• Extreme Traffic Volume: As a major junction, this interchange handles heavy traffic flow, especially during commuting hours. The sheer number of vehicles increases the chance of accidents.
• Merging and Exiting Difficulties: Drivers must navigate merging traffic from both the highway and access roads, while others exit across multiple lanes. This can lead to misjudgments, sudden lane changes, and collisions.
• Nearby Distractions: Drivers focused on reaching nearby hospitals, businesses, or the airport may divert attention from the road, making them more prone to errors.

These conditions contribute to the following common types of collisions:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops, heavy traffic flow, and distractions contribute to rear-end collisions being frequent occurrences at this interchange.
• Sideswipes: Merging mistakes, unexpected lane changes, and the sheer volume of traffic can lead to sideswiping accidents.
• Multi-vehicle accidents: Due to the congestion and high speeds, there’s an increased risk of chain-reaction accidents involving several vehicles.

The most likely injuries sustained at this interchange might include:

• Whiplash: Commonly associated with rear-end collisions, which are more likely to occur at major interchanges with high volume traffic.
• Head injuries, broken bones, and internal injuries: The high speeds and potential for multiple car pileups mean more severe types of injuries are a significant risk.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Denton Car Crash

If you’ve been injured in a car accident at one of Denton’s dangerous intersections, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. A skilled lawyer will:

• Investigate the accident: Gather evidence, obtain police reports, and interview witnesses to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Negotiate with insurance companies: Insurance companies often undervalue claims. A lawyer will handle all negotiations, aiming for the maximum possible settlement.
• Take your case to trial: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to represent you in court.