10 Dangerous Intersections in Arlington, TX for Car Accidents

March 12, 2024

In 2023, Arlington, Texas witnessed a significant number of car accidents at intersections, highlighted by the following statistics:

• 2,592 Crashes at intersections
• Involving 5,369 Vehicles
• Affecting 7,584 Persons

This article is based on data in TXDOT’s CRIS system.

Here’s an overview:

10. S. Cooper Street & W. Arkansas Lane: A Frequent Scene for Arlington Car Accidents

In 2023, this intersection was the site of 25 car accidents. It’s a crucial nexus in central Arlington, linking various commercial and residential sectors.

The complexities and risks inherent to this location include:

• Location and Traffic Flow: This junction, surrounded by commercial zones and residential areas, endures a heavy mix of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Its central location contributes to its status as a hotspot for collisions.
• Local Landmarks and Points of Interest: The intersection’s proximity to shopping centers and public parks means traffic volume spikes on weekends and holidays, complicating navigation.
• Intersecting Streets: The merging of heavy traffic from S. Cooper Street (TX-157) and W. Arkansas Lane creates a challenging environment for drivers, with frequent congestion.
• Unique Aspects Contributing to Accidents: High vehicle density, complex road layouts, and frequent stopping contribute to a notable accident rate. Challenges like lane merging and changes are particularly pronounced during peak hours.
• Common Forms of Negligence: Speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield are common here, heightening collision risks. These behaviors underscore the critical need for increased attention and defensive driving.

Several serious accidents have underscored the dangers of this intersection:

• A fatal crash involved individuals fleeing the scene, prompting a police search for two people connected to the incident. Full details can be found in a report by Fox 4 News.
• CBS News covered a story about Arlington police identifying a person of interest in a deadly hit-and-run accident at this location.
• Another tragic event involved a driver killed in a collision with a vehicle that ran a red light, reported by NBC DFW.

These incidents highlight the critical importance of cautious driving and adherence to traffic laws to prevent future tragedies at this busy Arlington intersection.

9. Matlock Road & E. Sublett Road: A South Arlington Risk Zone

This intersection saw 25 car accidents in 2023.

Located in south Arlington near Cravens Park, Matlock Road & E. Sublett Road is surrounded by residential neighborhoods and serves as a key route for commuters.

Matlock Road is a busy thoroughfare, while E. Sublett Road intersects with smaller residential streets.

• Why so dangerous? A combination of commuter traffic and drivers turning in and out of neighborhoods creates congestion. This can lead to rushed decisions and misjudgments of traffic flow.
• Common Negligence: Rear-end collisions are likely due to sudden stops. Failing to yield at stop signs on side streets and turning without properly checking for traffic may also be contributing factors.
• Injury Potential: While accidents here might be less severe than highway collisions, injuries such as whiplash and those from side-impact collisions are still possible.

8. TX-360 & E. Pioneer Pkwy (TX-303): A Hazardous Crossing

In 2023, the intersection of TX-360 and E. Pioneer Parkway (TX-303) recorded 26 car accidents, emphasizing its status as a perilous junction for Arlington drivers.

The complexities and hazards associated with this intersection are detailed below:

• Location and Traffic Flow: This intersection is a critical juncture that serves a diverse flow of traffic, including local residents, commuters, and commercial vehicles. The convergence of TX-360, a major highway, with E. Pioneer Parkway, one of Arlington’s main east-west thoroughfares, creates a challenging traffic environment.
• Local Landmarks and Points of Interest: Situated near shopping centers, residential communities, and business districts, this area attracts a significant amount of traffic throughout the day. The presence of these landmarks contributes to the intersection’s high volume of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
• Intersecting Streets: The intersection brings together high-speed highway traffic with urban roadway conditions, requiring drivers to adjust to changing traffic dynamics rapidly. The complexity of this transition zone can lead to confusion and, subsequently, accidents.
• Unique Aspects Contributing to Accidents: Several factors contribute to the high incidence of accidents here, including the intricate layout of the intersection, varied traffic speeds, and frequent lane changes. Additionally, the area is prone to congestion, especially during rush hours, increasing the likelihood of collisions.
• Common Forms of Negligence: Accidents at this location often result from a combination of speeding, distracted driving, and failure to observe traffic signals or lane markings. These forms of negligence are exacerbated by the busy and complex nature of the intersection, highlighting the need for increased caution and awareness among drivers.
• Injury Types and Severity: The range of injuries from accidents at this intersection includes everything from minor scrapes and bruises to serious, life-threatening injuries. The diversity in the severity of injuries reflects the potential danger present at this junction and underscores the importance of proactive safety measures.

7. TX-360 & Mayfield Road: An Arlington Accident Zone

This intersection saw a total of 27 car accidents in 2023.

TX-360 and Mayfield Road intersect in north Arlington, near Grand Prairie Municipal Airport, Sam Houston High School, and various elementary schools and neighborhoods.

TX-360 is a major highway, while Mayfield is a busy arterial road connecting residential areas to the entertainment district.

• Why so dangerous? The high volume of traffic combined with drivers exiting and entering the busy highway leads to congestion, especially during peak hours and events at the nearby stadiums.
• Common Negligence: Rear-end collisions are frequent, likely caused by speeding on TX-360 and sudden stops. Distracted driving and failure to yield when turning are other contributing factors.
• Injury Potential: The speed differential between the highway and turning traffic increases the risk of moderate to severe injuries in the event of a collision.

6. US 287 & N. Little School Road: Southeast Arlington’s Danger Zone

This intersection recorded 27 car accidents in 2023.

Located in the southeast part of Arlington, US 287 & N. Little School Road is close to Lincoln Court Shopping Center, The Parks Mall at Arlington, Lake Arlington, and numerous residential neighborhoods.

US 287 is a major north-south highway, while N. Little School Road serves as a local connector.

• Why so dangerous? The combination of significant highway speeds and drivers turning across traffic from the smaller road creates a high-risk situation. Visibility can also be an issue, especially during rush hour or in poor weather conditions.
• Common Negligence: Drivers on US 287 might misjudge the speed of turning vehicles, leading to T-bone collisions. Running red lights and failing to yield while turning are also likely factors in accidents at this intersection.
• Injury Potential: Side-impact collisions can result in serious injuries, particularly for occupants of vehicles struck from the side.

5. E. Division St. (TX-180) & TX-360: Danger Near Six Flags Over Texas

This intersection experienced 29 car accidents in 2023.

Located in central Arlington, the intersection of E. Division St. (TX-180) and TX-360 lies near Globe Life Field (home of the Texas Rangers), AT&T Stadium (home of the Dallas Cowboys), Six Flags Over Texas, and the University of Texas at Arlington.

Both roads are major multi-lane thoroughfares.

• Why so dangerous? This intersection sees heavy traffic, especially during game days and university events. The sheer volume of vehicles, combined with lane changes and drivers entering and exiting the highway, create a chaotic environment.
• Common Negligence: Aggressive driving, tailgating, and improper lane changes are likely to contribute to accidents in this area. Distractions due to the proximity of the stadium can also play a role.
• Injury Potential: The potential for injuries ranges from minor to severe, with rear-end collisions and sideswipes being common due to sudden speed changes.

4. I-30 & N. Collins Street: An Arlington Accident Hotspot

This intersection recorded 29 car accidents in 2023.

Located in central Arlington, I-30 and North Collins Street provides access to popular destinations like Hurricane Harbor Arlington, Choctaw Stadium, and Richard Greene Linear Park.

I-30 is a major interstate highway, while North Collins Street is a busy arterial road.

• Why so dangerous? The high volume of highway traffic merging with drivers entering and exiting for entertainment and recreation creates congestion and potential conflicts. On-ramps and off-ramps near the intersection can increase the risk of accidents.
• Common Negligence: Sudden lane changes to reach exits, distracted driving due to nearby attractions, and misjudging the speed of merging traffic likely contribute to collisions.
• Injury Potential: Rear-end collisions and sideswipes are common near highway exits, with the potential for moderate injuries due to the speed differential between highway traffic and exiting vehicles.

3. I-30 & TX-360: Danger Zone by the Arlington Stadiums

This intersection clocked in 30 car accidents in 2023.

As another major interchange near AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field, this intersection experiences intense traffic surges.

I-30 is a major east-west interstate, while TX-360 is a large highway serving the entertainment district.

• Why so dangerous? Massive crowds during game days and events overload the intersection. Drivers unfamiliar with the area, navigating complex exits, and the excitement surrounding events create a recipe for trouble.
• Common Negligence: Distracted driving, aggressive lane changes to reach exits, and misjudging traffic flow all contribute to the high accident rate.
• Injury Potential: The mix of high speeds and sudden stops can lead to rear-end collisions and sideswipes, potentially causing moderate to severe injuries.

2. I-20 & Matlock Road: Danger Near The Parks Mall

This intersection saw a concerning 44 car accidents in 2023.

Located in south Arlington, I-20 & Matlock Road sits near The Parks Mall at Arlington, USMD Hospital Arlington, other large shopping centers, and the University of Texas at Arlington.

I-20 is a major interstate, while Matlock Road serves as a busy commercial and residential connector.

• Why so dangerous? The constant flow of shoppers, commuters, and students mixes with high-speed interstate traffic. The numerous entrances and exits to nearby plazas further complicate the traffic flow.
• Common Negligence: Distracted driving due to the commercial area, sudden lane changes to enter or exit shopping centers, and running red lights are likely major factors at this intersection.
• Injury Potential: Rear-end collisions and T-bone accidents can occur due to the mix of speeds and unpredictable traffic. Injuries could range from minor to severe.

1. I-20 & S. Cooper Street: Arlington’s Top Car Crash Intersection

I-20 & S. Cooper St. takes the top spot on our list, recording a troubling 45 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection in south Arlington sits near major destinations like The Parks Mall at Arlington and the Harold Patterson Sports Center.

I-20 is a major east-west interstate highway, while S. Cooper St. is a busy arterial road with heavy commercial traffic.

• Why so dangerous? The area experiences a constant flow of shoppers, athletes, and commuters, creating a high-volume mix of vehicles. Numerous shopping center entrances and exits combined with the high speeds of interstate traffic create a chaotic situation.
• Common Negligence: Inattentive driving due to surrounding businesses, sudden lane changes to reach exits or stores, and failing to yield in heavy traffic are likely contributing factors to accidents here.
• Injury Potential: The potential for accidents includes rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and T-bone crashes due to the mix of speeds and unpredictable traffic patterns. Injuries could range from minor whiplash to severe depending on the type of collision.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After an Arlington Crash

If you’ve been injured in one of Arlington’s car accident hotspots, a qualified car accident lawyer can be an invaluable resource.

Here’s what they can do:

• Determine Fault: Lawyers investigate the accident, gathering evidence like police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to help establish who was responsible.
• Negotiate with Insurance: They deal directly with insurance companies, fighting for fair compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Handle Paperwork: Car accident lawyers manage all the complex paperwork and legal filings involved in an injury claim.
• Representation in Court: If a settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer will represent you in court, ensuring your rights are fully protected.