10 Dangerous Intersections in Waco, TX for Car Accidents

March 23, 2024

In 2023, Waco, Texas saw a total of 1,802 car accidents at intersections, involving 3,687 vehicles and 5,228 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 the Waco, Texas in 2023:

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

10. Valley Mills Dr. & W. Waco Dr.: A Waco Hotspot for Car Accidents

Valley Mills Drive and West Waco Drive saw 16 car accidents in 2023. This intersection in West Waco poses a challenge for drivers due to its mix of traffic patterns.

Valley Mills Drive is a multi-lane road with two traffic lights at this intersection, while West Waco Drive is a smaller road with less traffic control. Nearby businesses like CVS Pharmacy, Taco Casa, Bush’s Chicken, and the repurposed Floyd Casey Stadium generate additional traffic turning into and out of the intersection.

Here’s a closer look at why this intersection has more wrecks than many others in Waco:

• Limited visibility for drivers turning from West Waco Drive onto Valley Mills Drive, particularly with larger vehicles potentially blocking sightlines.
• Distracted driving caused by the mix of commercial traffic and those leaving residential areas, leading to misjudgments of traffic speeds on Valley Mills Drive.
• Potential impatience for those waiting to turn, which can result in risky maneuvers when gaps in traffic appear on Valley Mills Drive.

Common types of accidents here include side-impact collisions, rear-end crashes, and turning accidents. Injuries can range from whiplash to more serious injuries depending on the impact of the collision.

9. New Rd. & Valley Mills Dr.: Busier Than it Seems

New Road and Valley Mills Drive saw 17 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection is located on the north side of Waco and might seem relatively quiet, but it experiences a higher volume of traffic than expected. Valley Mills Drive is a major north-south thoroughfare, while New Road connects to neighborhoods and businesses.

Here’s why this intersection has a surprising number of accidents:

• Difficulties for drivers on New Road judging the speed and distance of traffic on Valley Mills Drive, potentially leading to unsafe turns or pulling out into traffic.
• Distractions caused by nearby businesses like Walmart Supercenter, McDonald’s, and a strip mall, leading to misjudgments or delayed reactions.
• Mixing of residential traffic with those heading to shopping areas on New Road, potentially causing unexpected slowdowns or turning movements.

Common types of accidents at this intersection include:

• Side-impact collisions: These can occur when a driver on New Road misjudges traffic speed on Valley Mills and turns left in front of oncoming vehicles.
• Rear-end crashes: Distracted driving or sudden stops on Valley Mills can lead to rear-end collisions, potentially causing whiplash or more serious injuries.
• Turning accidents: Difficulty judging gaps in traffic or larger vehicles blocking visibility can cause turning accidents on both New Road and Valley Mills.

8. E. Waco Dr. & Business US 77 (New Dallas Hwy.): Where Business Meets Danger

The intersection of East Waco Drive and Business US 77 (New Dallas Highway) witnessed 18 car accidents in 2023. This commercial-heavy area in East Waco sees frequent traffic entering and exiting businesses, mixed with highway speeds.

Here’s a closer look at why this intersection presents dangers:

• Limited visibility for drivers turning from side streets onto the highway, putting them at risk of misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic.
• Distractions caused by business entrances/exits and the potential for sudden slowdowns on Business US 77 as drivers seek to turn.
• Potential confusion for drivers unfamiliar with the area, due to the mix of highway traffic and numerous commercial access points.

Common types of accidents at this intersection include:

• Side-impact collisions: These can occur when drivers attempting to enter Business US 77 misjudge the distance or speed of highway traffic.
• Rear-end Crashes: Sudden stops or unexpected lane changes, particularly from vehicles exiting the highway, can lead to rear-end accidents.
• Turning accidents: Misjudging gaps in traffic or the presence of dedicated turn lanes can cause accidents for vehicles turning both onto and off of Business US 77.

7. I-35 & E. Waco Dr.: A Major Crossroads

The interchange of Interstate 35 and East Waco Drive saw 20 car accidents in 2023. This major intersection serves both commuters and those traveling to the nearby Floyd Casey Stadium and surrounding businesses.

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

• High-speed traffic and merging lanes: Vehicles traveling on I-35 are moving at highway speeds, while traffic on East Waco Drive can be slower due to nearby businesses and turning traffic. This creates a dangerous mix when vehicles merge.
• Frequent lane changes: Drivers changing lanes to exit I-35 or merging onto the highway from East Waco Drive create potential collision points.
• Heavy traffic volume: This intersection handles a significant amount of traffic, particularly during events at Floyd Casey Stadium or rush hour periods, increasing the risk of accidents.

Common types of accidents at this intersection include:

• Side-impact collisions: These can occur when drivers misjudge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic when exiting or merging onto the highway.
• Rear-end crashes: Sudden stops for exiting vehicles or congestion from merging traffic can lead to rear-end accidents, especially at higher speeds.
• Lane change accidents: Aggressive lane changes or misjudging gaps when entering I-35 are frequent contributors to accidents at this interchange.

Injuries sustained at this intersection can range in severity due to the potential for higher speeds involved in highway collisions.

6. Valley Mills Dr. & Franklin Ave.: Waco’s Heart has Risks

Valley Mills Drive and Franklin Avenue saw 21 car accidents in 2023. Located in central Waco, this intersection is surrounded by restaurants, shopping centers, and access points to Baylor University. The mix of local traffic, shoppers, and university-bound drivers creates congestion and potential hazards.

Here’s why this intersection sees a higher accident rate:

• Traffic congestion: The volume of traffic near major shopping areas along Valley Mills Drive and those heading to Baylor contribute to traffic backups and slower speeds, which can lead to impatient driving behaviors.
• Distracted driving: Drivers navigating the mix of commercial zones and residential areas may be distracted by storefronts, pedestrians, or searching for parking, increasing the risk of misjudging traffic patterns.
• Potential confusion for out-of-towners: Drivers unfamiliar with the area, particularly those visiting Baylor University, may be confused by the layout or be distracted by the surrounding activity.

Common types of accidents at this intersection include:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops due to traffic congestion or turning vehicles can lead to rear-end accidents, with the potential for whiplash and similar injuries.
• Turning accidents: Drivers turning left onto Valley Mills Drive or into any of the various shopping areas or Baylor access points can face obstructed views or misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic.
• Pedestrian/cyclist accidents: The potential for distracted driving and heavier foot traffic near Baylor and the shopping areas increase the risk of accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists.

5. Highway 6 (Loop 484) & Loop 340: A Dangerous Gateway

The intersection of Highway 6 (Loop 484) and Loop 340 saw 22 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection on the west side of Waco is a gateway to many suburban neighborhoods and shopping areas. It features a mix of fast-moving traffic on both highways and features challenging merging conditions.

Here’s why this intersection can be dangerous:

• High-speed merges: Vehicles entering Highway 6 from Loop 340 often need to accelerate quickly to match the flow of highway traffic, which creates potential collision points.
• Misjudging speed and distance: Drivers on Loop 340 might underestimate the speed of oncoming traffic on Highway 6, leading to unsafe merging decisions.
• Limited visibility: Depending on traffic volume, and the size of vehicles on Loop 340, drivers may have limited sightlines when trying to merge onto Highway 6.

Common types of accidents at this intersection include:

• Side-impact collisions: These can occur when drivers on Loop 340 misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic on Highway 6 or during aggressive lane changes.
• Rear-end crashes: Sudden stops or changes in traffic flow on Highway 6 can lead to rear-end collisions, especially for those merging from Loop 340 who haven’t reached full highway speed.
• Merging accidents: Difficulty judging the gaps between cars as vehicles enter Highway 6 can lead to sideswipe accidents or more severe collisions.

4. Waco Traffic Circle (S. Valley Mills Dr., La Salle Ave., & Robinson Dr.): An Iconic Danger Zone

The Waco Traffic Circle saw 24 car accidents in 2023.

This historic intersection in Central Waco can be intimidating for unfamiliar drivers due to its circular flow and multiple entry/exit points. While lower speeds are meant to improve safety, accidents still occur for a few key reasons:

• Misjudging gaps in traffic: Drivers entering the traffic circle may misjudge when it’s safe to merge, or those already in the circle might not see vehicles entering from certain angles.
• Improper lane changes: The multiple lanes within the circle can cause confusion. Sudden lane changes can easily lead to collisions.
• Confusion over right-of-way: Drivers may be unsure who has the right-of-way at various entry/exit points within the circle, contributing to hesitation and mistimed maneuvers.

Common types of accidents at the Waco Traffic Circle include:

• Sideswipe Accidents: These often occur during misjudged lane changes or when drivers try to merge into the circle’s traffic flow without adequate space.
• Rear-end Collisions: The potential for sudden stops within the circle can lead to rear-end collisions if drivers are following too closely or distracted.
• Low-speed Collisions: While speeds are generally lower in the circle, these collisions can still cause whiplash injuries or damage to vehicles.

3. Valley Mills Dr. & Lake Air Dr.: A Major Collision Point

Valley Mills Drive and Lake Air Drive saw 25 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection is a major hub in central Waco, with access to the Lake Air Mall, residential areas, and popular chain restaurants. The mix of drivers creates challenges and makes it a high-accident area.

Here’s why this intersection sees more accidents than you might expect:

• Distracted driving: The mix of commercial traffic with those heading to residential zones can lead to drivers being distracted by businesses or searching for turn-offs.
• Misjudging traffic flow: The multiple lanes on Valley Mills Drive, combined with drivers turning in and out of businesses, make it difficult to judge the speed and timing of traffic gaps.
• Heavy traffic volume: This intersection experiences a high volume of traffic, particularly during peak hours and shopping times for the Lake Air Mall, increasing the chances of collisions.

Common types of accidents at this intersection include:

• Side-impact collisions: These collisions can occur when drivers turning onto Valley Mills Drive misjudge the speed of oncoming traffic or attempt to cross multiple lanes.
• Rear-end crashes: Sudden stops or changes in traffic flow due to mall traffic or turning vehicles can lead to rear-end accidents, with whiplash as a common injury.
• Turning accidents: The numerous entries and exits around this intersection can lead to turning accidents, particularly when drivers make sudden lane changes or misjudge the flow of traffic.

2. I-35 & Valley Mills Dr.: A Hazard at All Hours

The interchange between I-35 and Valley Mills Drive was the scene of 34 car accidents last year.

This is one of the busiest intersections in the entire Waco area, with highway traffic mixing with drivers accessing local businesses and residential areas. Several factors contribute to its high accident rate:

• High speeds: Vehicles traveling on I-35 move at highway speeds, creating a significant hazard for those entering or exiting onto Valley Mills Drive.
• Complex merging patterns: The interchange involves multiple entry and exit ramps, increasing the chance of traffic weaving, lane changes, and potential points of conflict.
• Dense traffic: The sheer volume of traffic moving through this intersection, especially during peak commuting hours, increases the likelihood of collisions occurring.

Common types of accidents at this interchange include:

• Side-impact collisions: These can occur when drivers misjudge the speed and distance of traffic on I-35 or try to merge aggressively from Valley Mills Drive.
• Rear-end crashes: Sudden stops for merging traffic, lane changes, or congestion from accidents themselves, can lead to rear-end collisions at various points across the interchange.
• Merging accidents: Aggressive or mistimed lane changes to enter or exit I-35 can result in sideswipes, lane-change collisions, or more severe accidents.

Injuries at this intersection can be serious due to the potential for high-speed collisions involving highway traffic.

1. I-35 & 18th St.: Waco’s Most Dangerous Intersection

A concerning 48 car accidents took place at the intersection of I-35 and 18th Street in 2023.

This intersection in central Waco faces additional hazards due to ongoing construction work. Reports even indicate that traffic lights sometimes malfunction, with the light facing 18th Street becoming inoperable late at night.

Here’s why this intersection is so dangerous:

• Construction disrupts normal traffic flow, confusing drivers.
• Inoperable lights create severe risks, especially at night.
• Drivers unfamiliar with the area are particularly vulnerable.

Common types of accidents here include:

• Side-impact collisions caused by drivers running red lights or misjudging traffic.
• Rear-end collisions from sudden stops due to unexpected light changes or construction zones.
• Turning accidents as drivers get confused by construction detours or malfunctioning traffic lights.

Injuries at this intersection can be severe due to the mix of highway speeds and the potential for drivers to be caught off guard by unexpected hazards.

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

If you’ve been injured in a Waco car accident, a car accident lawyer can help you navigate legal complexities and fight for your rights. They assist with tasks like:

• Investigating your accident: A lawyer can gather evidence, talk to witnesses, and determine who might be at fault for your accident.
• Handling insurance companies: They’ll negotiate with insurance companies to reach a fair settlement that covers your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Fighting for you in court: If an insurance company refuses a fair settlement, your car accident lawyer will represent you in court and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.