10 Dangerous Intersections in Laredo, TX for Car Accidents

March 23, 2024

In 2023, Laredo, Texas saw a concerning number of car accidents at intersections. Specifically, there were 3,655 crashes involving 7,623 vehicles and 10,929 persons.

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 Laredo, Texas in 2023:

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

10. I-35 (US 83) & W. Saunders St.: A Hotspot for Auto Accidents

27 car accidents occurred at the intersection of I-35 (US 83) and Saunders St. in 2023.

This interchange is located in North Laredo, with major commercial areas like Target and Walmart Supercenter along Saunders Street. I-35 is a major highway with high speeds and frequent lane changes, while Saunders Street has multiple lanes, entry and exit points for businesses, and heavy traffic going to and from shopping areas.

This intersection poses challenges for drivers for several reasons:

• Confusing layout: The combination of highway traffic and merging lanes from commercial areas can create confusion.
• High speeds: Vehicles on I-35 travel at high speeds, making quick reactions necessary for those entering or exiting.
• Traffic volume: Both roads see heavy traffic, particularly during peak hours, leading to congestion.

Common forms of negligence at this intersection include:

• Drivers failing to yield right-of-way: This is a common issue at this intersection because of the multiple lanes of traffic on both I-35 and Saunders Street, along with drivers turning in and out of shopping centers. With so much activity, drivers may fail to notice or misjudge gaps in traffic when trying to enter or cross the intersection.
• Drivers misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic: The high speeds on I-35 can be deceiving, and drivers entering or crossing Saunders Street may underestimate how fast a vehicle is approaching. This can lead to accidents when drivers pull out in front of traffic they thought they could beat.
• Drivers making improper lane changes: The multiple lanes and frequent merging points at this intersection can make it difficult for drivers to change lanes safely. This can lead to accidents when drivers fail to check their blind spots or signal properly before changing lanes.

Common types of injuries likely to occur at this intersection include:

• Whiplash: The sudden impact of rear-end and side-impact collisions can cause whiplash injuries to the neck and spine.
• Head injuries: Head injuries can occur in any type of accident, especially when drivers or passengers strike their heads on the interior of the vehicle.
• Broken bones and lacerations: More severe accidents, especially those involving higher speeds, can lead to broken bones and cuts from broken glass or other debris.

9. US 59 & McPherson Rd.: A High-Risk Intersection for Laredo Drivers

28 car accidents occurred at the intersection of US 59 & McPherson Rd. in 2023.

This intersection is a major gateway into Laredo and is located close to Laredo Medical Center. US 59 is a busy thoroughfare, and McPherson Road is a major route to the hospital, leading to a high volume of traffic at various times of the day.

This intersection presents several challenges:

• Hospital traffic: Drivers rushing to or from the Laredo Medical Center may be distracted or in a hurry, increasing the risk of mistakes.
• Unfamiliarity with the area: Visitors or those new to Laredo may not be familiar with the layout of this intersection, leading to confusion and hesitation.
• Heavy traffic flow: Both roads carry a significant amount of traffic, particularly during peak commuting hours or when there are emergencies at the hospital.

Common forms of negligence at this intersection include:

• Running red lights or stop signs: Drivers in a hurry to reach the hospital or get through heavy traffic may disregard traffic signals.
• Failing to yield: The mix of hospital traffic and regular traffic flow can cause drivers to misjudge gaps or fail to yield right-of-way, especially when turning.
• Speeding: Drivers exceeding the speed limit on either US 59 or McPherson Rd. have less time to react to changing conditions at the intersection.

Common types of injuries likely to occur at this intersection include:

• Side-impact injuries: T-bone collisions are frequent at intersections, and can cause serious injuries to the torso, head, and limbs of those in the vehicle struck on the side.
• Rear-end collision injuries: Sudden stops for traffic lights or turning vehicles can lead to rear-end collisions which can result in whiplash, neck injuries, and back injuries.
• Injuries from high-speed collisions: The higher speeds on US 59 mean that accidents happening here have the potential for more severe injuries.

8. Loop 20 & International Blvd.: Navigating the Hazards

32 car accidents occurred at the intersection of Loop 20 and International Blvd. in 2023.

Located near Doctors Hospital of Laredo, this intersection is a hub of activity. Loop 20 is a major ring road around Laredo, while International Boulevard provides access to the hospital and surrounding areas.

This intersection presents several challenges:

• Heavy hospital traffic: The presence of Doctors Hospital of Laredo means there’s a constant flow of vehicles going to and from the area, including patients, visitors, and medical staff.
• Traffic congestion: During peak hours, both Loop 20 and International Boulevard experience heavy traffic, leading to congestion and bottlenecks around the intersection.
• Mix of traffic: The intersection sees a mix of local traffic and those traveling longer distances on Loop 20, creating the potential for confusion and misjudgments.

Common forms of negligence at this intersection include:

• Distracted driving: Drivers focused on navigating to the hospital, finding parking, or dealing with medical situations may be distracted and less attentive to traffic conditions.
• Running red lights: Drivers in a hurry may try to rush through yellow lights or even ignore red lights entirely.
• Unsafe turning: The multiple lanes and turning traffic in and out of the hospital area can lead to dangerous turning maneuvers.

Common types of injuries likely to occur at this intersection include:

• Rear-end collision injuries: Sudden stops and congestion can lead to rear-end accidents, resulting in whiplash, neck injuries, and back pain.
• Side-impact injuries: Improper turns or misjudged gaps in traffic can lead to side-impact collisions, also known as T-bone crashes, which can result in serious injuries.
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: With the hospital nearby, there’s likely to be increased pedestrian and bicycle traffic, making these vulnerable road users particularly susceptible to injuries in an accident.

7. I-35 (US 83) & W. Calton Rd.: Potential for Accidents

32 car accidents happened at the intersection of I-35 (US 83) & W. Calton Rd. in 2023.

Situated close to major shopping areas like Mall Del Norte and Gateway Plaza, this interchange sees high traffic volumes. I-35 is a major highway with high speeds and frequent lane changes, while Calton Road offers access to the shopping destinations.

This intersection presents drivers with unique challenges:

• Sudden exits and short ramps: The exits for Calton Road from I-35 are relatively short, requiring drivers to make quick decisions and potentially rapid lane changes.
• Merging traffic: Drivers entering I-35 from Calton Road face the challenge of merging into fast-moving highway traffic.
• Shopping traffic congestion: The heavy flow of vehicles going to and from the shopping centers can create congestion and unpredictable traffic patterns near the interchange.

Common forms of negligence at this intersection include:

• Misjudging speed and distance: The high speeds on I-35 make it crucial for drivers to accurately judge how fast traffic is moving, and how much time and space they have to merge or exit safely.
• Aggressive lane changes: Impatient drivers trying to exit I-35 or enter quickly in heavy traffic may change lanes abruptly without proper signaling or checking blind spots.
• Distracted driving: Drivers focused on navigating to the shopping centers may become distracted, leading to an increased risk of error.

Common types of injuries likely to occur at this intersection include:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops or unexpected lane changes can lead to rear-end collisions, causing whiplash, neck, and back injuries.
• Side-impact injuries: Improper merging or aggressive lane changes can result in side-impact accidents, particularly for those entering or exiting the highway.
• Injuries from high-speed collisions: The higher speeds on I-35 mean that collisions here have the potential for more severe injuries or fatalities.

6. McPherson Rd. & E. Del Mar Blvd.: Danger at the Crossroads

35 car accidents occurred at the intersection of McPherson Rd. & E. Del Mar Blvd. in 2023.

This intersection is a hub of local and through traffic in central Laredo. McPherson is a major route through the city, while Del Mar offers access to many neighborhoods and businesses.

This intersection can be challenging for drivers because:

• High traffic volume: Both McPherson and Del Mar are busy roads, especially during peak hours, leading to congestion and increased chances of collisions.
• Diverse traffic mix: The intersection handles a mix of local traffic, commuters, and those heading to nearby residential areas or businesses. This variety can lead to unpredictable traffic patterns.
• Multiple lanes and turning options: The multiple lanes on both roads, along with various turning possibilities, can create confusion for drivers unfamiliar with the area.

Common forms of negligence at this intersection include:

• Speeding: Drivers may exceed the speed limit on either road, making it difficult to react in time and stop safely for traffic signals or changing conditions at the intersection.
• Running red lights or stop signs: Impatience or distraction can lead drivers to disregard traffic signals.
• Failure to yield: Drivers may misjudge gaps in traffic or try to force their way through, failing to yield the right-of-way, especially when turning.

Common types of injuries likely to occur at this intersection include:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops due to traffic signals or congestion can result in rear-end collisions, leading to whiplash and other neck and back injuries.
• Side-impact injuries: Improper turns, running red lights, or misjudging traffic can lead to serious side-impact collisions.
• Injuries from higher speeds: Depending on the circumstances, accidents at this intersection have the potential for more severe injuries due to increased speeds on these major roads.

5. Loop 20 & Sinatra Dr.: Navigating Laredo’s Airport Area

38 car accidents occurred at the intersection of Loop 20 and Sinatra Dr. in 2023.

Located near Laredo International Airport, Lake Casa Blanca, and Casa Blanca International State Park, this area sees a diverse mix of traffic. Loop 20 is a major ring road, and Sinatra provides access to the airport and recreational areas.

This intersection poses challenges for drivers for several reasons:

• Airport and recreational traffic: Drivers heading to or from the airport, or to recreational areas like Lake Casa Blanca, may be unfamiliar with the area or distracted by planning their activities.
• Heavy traffic volumes: This intersection handles a significant amount of traffic, especially during weekends or when events are happening at the airport or nearby park.
• Mix of traffic speeds: The combination of highway traffic on Loop 20 and slower traffic entering or exiting Sinatra Drive can lead to misjudgments of speed.

Common forms of negligence at this intersection include:

• Distracted driving: Drivers focused on navigating to the airport, finding their gate, or preoccupied with upcoming recreational activities may not be fully attentive to the road.
• Misjudging speeds: Drivers exiting Loop 20 may underestimate the speed of oncoming traffic, while those on Sinatra may misjudge how quickly highway traffic is approaching.
• Unsafe lane changes: Sudden lane changes to reach exits or navigate toward the airport can lead to accidents.

Common types of injuries likely to occur at this intersection include:

• Side-impact injuries: Improper turns or misjudged gaps in traffic can lead to side-impact collisions.
• Rear-end collision injuries: Sudden stops for traffic lights or congestion can increase the risk of rear-end collisions, causing injuries like whiplash.
• Injuries due to mixed speeds: Collisions involving vehicles traveling at significantly different speeds can result in more serious injuries.

4. Loop 20 & TX-359: Challenges at the Interchange

47 car accidents took place at the Loop 20 & TX-359 interchange in 2023.

This interchange is a major entry and exit point for Laredo. Loop 20 is the ring road, and TX-359 connects to surrounding communities.

This intersection is dangerous because:

• Heavy traffic volumes: This interchange handles a lot of traffic, especially commercial trucks going to and from surrounding towns.
• Merging difficulties: Drivers face challenges merging into high-speed traffic or changing lanes safely.
• High speeds: Vehicles on Loop 20 travel at highway speeds, making quick reactions necessary.

Common forms of negligence here include:

• Misjudging speeds: Drivers may underestimate how fast traffic is moving, leading to dangerous merging or lane changes.
• Unsafe lane changes: Impatient drivers or those unfamiliar with the interchange may change lanes abruptly without proper signaling.
• Trucking accidents: Large commercial trucks can have difficulty navigating the interchange, increasing the risk of accidents.

Injuries likely to happen here include:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops or congestion can lead to rear-end accidents, causing whiplash and other injuries.
• Side-impact collisions: Improper merging and aggressive lane changes can result in side-impact collisions.
• Severe injuries: High speeds and the potential for larger vehicle accidents mean more serious injuries are possible.

3. Loop 20 (Spur 206) & US 83 (S. Zapata Hwy.): Where Major Routes Converge

57 car accidents occurred at this intersection in 2023. This intersection is in South Laredo and connects two major highways. Drivers face a complex mix of traffic and high speeds where these routes meet.

Challenges at this intersection include:

• High traffic volume: Both Loop 20 and US 83 are busy highways, so this intersection sees a lot of traffic.
• High speeds: Vehicles travel at highway speeds, making quick reactions and accurate judgment crucial.
• Difficulty merging: Merging into fast-moving traffic or changing lanes can be dangerous.

Common negligence at this intersection includes:

• Misjudging traffic flow: Drivers may misjudge gaps in traffic or underestimate how fast vehicles are moving.
• Failing to yield: Drivers rushing to enter or exit the highways may fail to yield the right-of-way.
• Improper lane changes: Aggressive or hurried lane changes can lead to accidents.

Common injuries at this intersection include:

• T-bone collisions: Improper turns or misjudging traffic can lead to serious t-bone collisions.
• Rear-end accidents: Congestion or sudden stops can result in rear-end collisions leading to whiplash and other injuries.
• Severe injuries: The high speeds on these highways mean accidents here have the potential for serious or even fatal injuries.

2. I-35 & Loop 20: A Laredo Car Crash Hotspot

59 car accidents occurred at I-35 & Loop 20 in 2023. This is one of Laredo’s busiest interchanges, where two major highways meet. Drivers face a complicated mix of fast-moving traffic and complex entry and exit ramps.

This intersection is dangerous because:

• High speeds: Vehicles on both highways travel at high speeds, making misjudgments especially hazardous.
• Complex layout: Many lanes, entry ramps, and exit ramps can confuse drivers, especially those unfamiliar with the area.
• Heavy traffic: This intersection handles a massive volume of traffic, increasing the potential for congestion.

Common negligence at this interchange includes:

• Improper lane changes: Impatient or confused drivers may change lanes abruptly without signaling.
• Misjudging speeds: Drivers may underestimate the speed of traffic and make dangerous merging or exiting decisions.
• Rear-ending vehicles: Sudden stops in congested areas can lead to rear-end collisions.

Injuries common at this intersection include:

• Rear-end collision injuries: Whiplash, neck pain, and back injuries are common in rear-end accidents.
• Side-impact injuries: Improper lane changes or running red lights can cause serious side-impact collisions.
• Severe injuries: The high speeds at this interchange increase the risk of severe or fatal injuries in a crash.

1. Santa Ursula Ave. & Houston St.: The Most Dangerous Intersection in Laredo

102 car accidents occurred at Santa Ursula Avenue and Houston Street in 2023. This intersection is in the heart of Laredo. It sees heavy traffic and is often congested.

This intersection presents dangers because:

• Traffic congestion: Heavy traffic, especially during peak hours, leads to slowdowns and sudden stops.
• Many lanes and signals: Drivers must navigate multiple lanes and traffic signals while keeping track of vehicles and pedestrians.
• Local businesses: Nearby businesses add to traffic congestion, with cars entering and exiting the area.

Common negligence at this intersection includes:

• Running red lights: Impatient drivers may try to beat traffic lights, leading to dangerous crashes.
• Improper turns: Drivers may misjudge gaps in traffic or make sudden turns without signaling.
• Distracted driving: Drivers focused on finding businesses or navigating may not pay full attention to the road.

Common injuries here include:

• Rear-end collisions injuries: Whiplash, neck, and back injuries are common due to the frequent sudden stops.
• Side-impact injuries: Improper turns or running red lights can lead to serious side-impact crashes.
• Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: The congestion attracts pedestrians and cyclists, increasing their risk of being struck by a vehicle.

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

If you’ve been injured in a car accident at one of these intersections or anywhere else in Laredo, an experienced car accident lawyer can help. They can protect your rights and seek fair compensation for your injuries. A lawyer can:

• Investigate your accident: They’ll gather evidence, interview witnesses, and determine who was at fault in your accident.
• Negotiate with insurance companies: They handle the complex negotiations to help you get the settlement you deserve.
• Fight for you in court: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, a car accident lawyer will represent you in court and fight for your rights.