10 Dangerous Intersections in Grand Prairie, TX for Car Accidents

March 18, 2024

Grand Prairie experienced a concerning number of car accidents at intersections in 2023. There were a total of 1,474 crashes, involving 3,030 vehicles and 4,196 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 Grand Prairie, Texas in 2023:

The following cluster map of 2023 car wrecks at intersections in Grand Prairie offers a detailed view of high-incident intersections and interchanges throughout the City:

10. TX-303 (Pioneer Pkwy.) & S. Great Southwest Pkwy.: A Hotspot for Auto Accidents

There were 18 car accidents at this intersection in 2023. This busy intersection is located in the heart of Grand Prairie, providing access to The EpicCentral, a major mixed-use development, along with other large commercial areas.

TX-303 is a multi-lane highway that intersects with a major parkway, featuring multiple on and off-ramps, as well as dedicated turn lanes.

This intersection sees a high volume of traffic at various speeds. Drivers on TX-303 often travel at high speeds, while traffic merging on and off the highway creates frequent lane changes and potential congestion. These factors, combined with the intersection’s layout, contribute to its high accident rate.

• Common Negligence: Distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield, and aggressive lane changes.
• Common Accidents: Rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and T-bone accidents.
• Typical Injuries: Whiplash, head injuries, and broken bones are frequent injuries from accidents at this location.

9. TX-1382 (N. Belt Line Rd.) & E. Grand Prairie Rd.: A High-Risk Intersection for Grand Prairie Drivers

There were 20 car accidents at this intersection in 2023. Located in central Grand Prairie, this intersection sits close to residential neighborhoods and commercial zones. Here, a multi-lane road (TX-1382) crosses another major road (E. Grand Prairie Rd.), featuring dedicated turn lanes and potentially high-speed traffic.

The intersection’s layout can be confusing, with multiple turn lanes and varying traffic speeds. Drivers turning left might have obstructed visibility, leading to misjudgments and accidents.

• Common Negligence: Misjudging traffic gaps, distracted driving, and making illegal turns.
• Common Accidents: T-bone accidents, sideswipe collisions, and accidents involving turning vehicles are prevalent here.
• Typical Injuries: Injuries from these types of accidents might include whiplash, head and neck trauma, and injuries sustained in side-impact collisions.

8. TX-161 & TX-180 (E. Division St.): Navigating the Hazards of Busy Grand Prairie

There were 23 car accidents recorded at this intersection in 2023. Located in a central area of Grand Prairie, this intersection connects the central business district with residential areas. It’s also near the Grand Prairie police department, city hall, and various shopping plazas. TX-161 and TX-180 are both multi-lane highways that intersect here, with dedicated turn lanes and occasional merging traffic.

This intersection experiences heavy traffic volumes throughout the day. Drivers might try risky maneuvers at the last minute before traffic lights change, and merging traffic adds to the congestion. These factors contribute to the high number of accidents at this location.

• Common Negligence: Speeding, distracted driving, misjudging gaps in traffic, and improper lane changes.
• Common Accidents: Rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and accidents caused by merging drivers.
• Typical Injuries: Whiplash, back injuries, head injuries, and injuries associated with sudden impact are common here.

7. President George Bush Tpke. (TX-161) & Pioneer Rd.: A Complex Grand Prairie Intersection

In 2023, President George Bush Turnpike (TX-161) and Pioneer Road saw 24 car accidents. This intersection is located on the southern edge of Grand Prairie and provides access to The Parks at Arlington mall and various industrial and warehouse complexes. It’s a complex intersection where a major turnpike, surface streets, and multiple on and off-ramps converge.

The dangers here stem from the mix of highway and slower surface street traffic. Drivers exiting the turnpike might be traveling at high speeds and misjudge the pace of merging traffic. The layout, with multiple lanes and frequent traffic light changes, can also cause confusion.

• Common Negligence: Driving too fast after exiting the turnpike, failure to yield to merging traffic, and misjudging traffic signals.
• Common Accidents: Sideswipes, rear-end collisions due to sudden braking, and accidents caused by merging vehicles.
• Typical Injuries: Injuries associated with sudden stops and merging-related accidents are likely, including whiplash, neck and back injuries, and potentially more severe injuries at higher speeds.

6. S. Great Southwest Pkwy. & I-20: Where Highway Meets Parkway

This intersection witnessed 25 car accidents in 2023. Located near the western edge of Grand Prairie, drivers use this intersection to access Lone Star Park and large distribution centers. Here, a multi-lane parkway meets I-20, with traffic entering and exiting the highway and merging lanes.

The mix of high-speed interstate traffic and slower-moving parkway traffic creates the potential for accidents. Drivers might misjudge speeds when merging, and short merging lanes can lead to sudden maneuvers. These factors increase the risk for collisions.

• Common Negligence: Failing to yield when merging, speeding, improper lane changes, and distracted driving.
• Common Accidents: Rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and accidents involving lane-changing vehicles.
• Typical Injuries: Whiplash, back injuries, and injuries resulting from high-speed and merging-related accidents are possible.

5. TX-360 & W. Carrier Pkwy.: A Confusing Crossroads

TX-360 and W. Carrier Pkwy. were the site of 26 car accidents in 2023. This centrally located intersection provides access to various commercial areas and is nearby Mountain Creek Lake Park. It features a multi-lane highway (TX-360) intersecting with a multi-lane parkway (W. Carrier Pkwy.), along with complex traffic signals and turn lanes.

This intersection’s layout and traffic patterns can create confusion for drivers. Misjudging traffic lights, misinterpreting gaps in traffic, and varying speed limits can all contribute to the risk of accidents.

• Common Negligence: Running red lights, speeding, improper turns, and misjudging gaps in traffic.
• Common Accidents: T-bone collisions, sideswipes, and rear-end accidents from sudden stops are frequent at this location.
• Typical Injuries: Injuries from side-impact accidents, head and neck injuries, and injuries related to sudden impact are possible.

4. TX-161 & W. Jefferson St.: A Collision-Prone Intersection

There were 26 car accidents at TX-161 and W. Jefferson St. in 2023. This intersection is close to downtown Grand Prairie, including the Ruthe Jackson Center, and nearby retail areas. It’s a crossroads where a major artery (TX-161) meets a central city street (W. Jefferson St.), featuring turn lanes and traffic lights.

The intersection’s frequent changes in traffic flow due to stoplights, a high volume of traffic from nearby commercial areas, and potential distractions contribute to its accident rate.

• Common Negligence: Speeding, aggressive driving, ignoring signals, and distracted driving.
• Common Accidents: T-bone accidents, sideswipe collisions, and rear-end crashes are common here.
• Typical Injuries: Head injuries, neck and back injuries, and injuries consistent with side-impact and sudden-stop collisions.

3. I-30 & N. Belt Line Rd.: Heavy Traffic and High Accident Rates

2023 saw 27 car accidents at the intersection of I-30 and N. Belt Line Rd. Located in eastern Grand Prairie, this intersection sees traffic from major retail centers and nearby residential areas. It’s a complex area where interstate exit and entrance ramps meet a busy multi-lane road.

Congestion is a major factor here, with highway traffic suddenly merging with slower surface street traffic. Nearby commercial activity adds to the traffic volume and distractions, further increasing the risk of accidents.

• Common Negligence: Aggressive lane changes, speeding, tailgating, and misjudging vehicle speed.
• Common Accidents: Rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and merging accidents are frequent at this location.
• Typical Injuries: Injuries associated with rear-end and sideswipe collisions are typical. There’s potential for more severe injuries due to the involvement of highway speeds.

2. I-20 & TX-161: A Grand Prairie Danger Zone

This intersection was the site of a concerning 36 car accidents in 2023. Located on the southwest side of Grand Prairie, it provides easy access to Joe Pool Lake, large-scale outlet shops, and major highways. This is a complex interchange where two major highways converge, featuring high-speed traffic transitioning between the highways and slower-moving surface traffic entering and exiting.

The extreme traffic volume at this location is a primary factor in its high accident rate. Multiple merging lanes, abrupt variations between highway speeds and slower traffic, and potentially short merging areas all contribute to the danger.

• Common Negligence: Speeding, aggressive lane changes, distracted driving, misjudging gaps in traffic, and failing to yield.
• Common Accidents: Rear-end collisions, sideswipes, multi-vehicle accidents, and accidents caused by merging vehicles.
• Typical Injuries: There’s a wide range of potential injuries, from whiplash and back injuries to more severe trauma associated with high-speed and multi-vehicle collisions.

1. I-30 & TX-161: Grand Prairie’s Most Dangerous Intersection

In 2023, an alarming 55 car accidents occurred at the intersection of I-30 and TX-161. This intersection cuts through the heart of Grand Prairie and is a major traffic hub, providing access to numerous commercial areas and residential neighborhoods. It’s a massive interchange where two major highways meet, featuring entrance and exit ramps, multiple lanes, complex traffic signal patterns, and frequent merging zones.

The sheer volume of traffic converging at this point is the biggest reason for its danger. Drivers transitioning between highways at high speeds, frequent congestion, sudden slowdowns, and a complex layout significantly increase the risk of accidents.

• Common Negligence: Distracted driving, tailgating, speeding, failure to yield, improper lane changes, and misjudging highway traffic speeds.
• Common Accidents: Sideswipes, rear-end collisions, multi-vehicle accidents, and potentially severe accidents due to highway speeds are all prevalent here.
• Typical Injuries: A wide spectrum of injuries is possible, ranging from minor to severe or even life-threatening, due to the high-speed, multi-vehicle nature of many accidents at this location.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you’ve been injured in a Grand Prairie car accident, an experienced car accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process. They’ll investigate your accident, build a strong case on your behalf, and advocate for your right to receive compensation for your injuries and losses.