10 Dangerous Intersections in Austin for Car Accidents

March 14, 2024

Austin experienced a staggering 5,697 car accidents at intersections in 2023. According to data from TXDOT’s CRIS system, these crashes involved 11,923 vehicles and affected 15,273 people.

Here’s an overview of this article:

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

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

10. IH-35 & E. Riverside Drive: A Hotspot for Auto Accidents

In 2023, the intersection of I-35 & E. Riverside Drive witnessed 23 car accidents. The intersection sits at the convergence of a major interstate highway (IH-35) and several busy city streets, creating a complex and often congested traffic zone.

I-35 & E. Riverside Drive is located near Festival Beach Park, just south of the bridge over the Colorado River. It provides access to downtown Austin attractions like Big Stacy Park, The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake, and Waller Beach.

Common causes of accidents here include:

• Heavy traffic volumes, especially during rush hour and weekends
• Multiple merging lanes where drivers may misjudge distance or speed
• Distracted driving due to the proximity of popular destinations

Rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and accidents involving sudden lane changes are frequent at this intersection.

Injuries like whiplash, back injuries, and broken bones are common results of crashes in this area.

9. IH-35 & E. Cesar Chavez St.: A High-Risk Intersection for Austin Drivers

The intersection of IH-35 and E. Cesar Chavez St. in Austin saw 25 car accidents in 2023.

Located near downtown Austin, Waller Creek, and the Austin Convention Center, this intersection sees heavy traffic from both commuters and visitors.

Here’s why accidents are common at this location:

• Distracted driving: Tourists and visitors may be unfamiliar with the area or distracted by the sights.
• Speeding: Drivers may accelerate to an unsafe speed as they enter or exit the interstate.
• Confusion navigating multiple lanes: The intersection’s layout can be challenging for those not used to it.

Rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes are the most frequent types of accidents at this intersection.

Injuries may range from minor to severe depending on the speeds and points of impact involved.

8. IH-35 & E. 11th St.: Navigating Downtown Austin Hazards

The intersection of IH-35 and E. 11th St. in Austin had 25 car accidents in 2023.

Located close to the Texas State Capitol and Waterloo Park, this busy downtown intersection experiences heavy traffic and frequent bottlenecks, especially during rush hours and events.

Factors contributing to the high accident rate include:

• Frequent lane changes: Drivers rushing through the area might make sudden and unsafe lane changes.
• Sudden stops due to congestion: Stop-and-go traffic can result in rear-end collisions.
• Limited visibility: Surrounding buildings can obstruct lines of sight for turning drivers and pedestrians.

Sideswipe accidents, rear-end collisions, and accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists are potential hazards at this intersection.

7. Loop 1 (S. Mopac Expy.) & US Route 290 (TX-71): Trouble Near Popular Austin Destinations

The intersection of Loop 1 (S. Mopac Expressway) and US Route 290 (TX-71) in Austin witnessed 26 car accidents in 2023.

Located near the Sunset Valley Marketfair, Tony Burger Activity Park, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt, this intersection sees a mix of local traffic, shoppers, and visitors heading to recreational areas.

Here’s why this intersection is prone to accidents:

• Multiple lanes of traffic: Navigating multiple lanes and merging points can be confusing for drivers.
• Misjudging speed and distance: Drivers may miscalculate gaps in traffic when merging or exiting.
• Distracted driving: Shoppers may be focused on finding stores or parking rather than traffic conditions.

Rear-end collisions and sideswipes are the most common types of accidents at this intersection due to sudden stops, unexpected lane changes, and misjudging distances.

6. IH-35 & TX-71: South Austin Danger Zone

The intersection of IH-35 and TX-71 in south Austin experienced 26 car accidents in 2023.

Located near Mabel Davis District Park and St. Edward’s University, this intersection sees a mix of commuters, students, and local traffic.

Its complex design and frequent congestion make it a hazardous spot for drivers. Here’s why accidents are common at this location:

• Unsafe lane changes: Drivers may attempt risky maneuvers in heavy traffic.
• Misjudging gaps in traffic: The volume and flow of traffic can be hard to anticipate.
• Tailgating: Impatient drivers may follow too closely, leading to rear-end collisions.

Injuries from accidents at this intersection can vary in severity, but whiplash, back injuries, and head trauma are not uncommon.

5. TX-71 E. (Bastrop Fwy.) & S. FM 973 Rd.: Car Crash Risks Near Austin’s Airport

The intersection of TX-71 E and S. FM 973 Road in Austin saw 27 car accidents in 2023.

Located near Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, this intersection poses unique challenges for drivers:

• High-volume airport traffic: Travelers and airport employees create surges in traffic, especially during peak times.
• Unfamiliar drivers: Visitors may be confused by the road layout and traffic patterns.
• Travel distractions: Drivers focused on navigating to/from the airport or preoccupied with travel plans may be less attentive to the road.

Watch out for: Rear-end collisions and sideswipes are common due to sudden stops, unexpected lane changes, and misjudged traffic flow.

4. IH-35 & US Route 183: North Austin Traffic Hotspot

The intersection of IH-35 and US Route 183 experienced 33 car accidents in 2023. Located in north Austin, this major interchange is a notorious trouble spot for commuters and local drivers.

Here’s why this intersection is so risky:

• Complex traffic patterns: Drivers must navigate multiple lanes and high-speed merging traffic.
• Impatient drivers: Heavy traffic can lead to aggressive lane changes and tailgating.
• Right-of-way confusion: Misjudging who has the right of way is a frequent cause of accidents.

Injuries at this intersection: High-speed collisions can result in catastrophic injuries.

3. TX-183A (N. Highway 183) & Lakeline Mall Dr.: Northwest Austin Shopping Center Hazards

The intersection of TX-183A (N. Highway 183) and Lakeline Mall Dr. saw a troubling 34 car accidents in 2023, with data suggesting a concentration of these wrecks on the southbound elevated highway section.

Several factors likely contribute to this high accident rate:

• Construction hazards: Ongoing construction in the area can create distractions and unexpected lane changes for drivers.
• Lack of shoulders: The absence of protected shoulders on either side of the highway means limited escape room for drivers in case of emergencies or breakdowns. Concrete barriers on both sides limit reaction time if a vehicle needs to maneuver.
• Challenging merge point: The short two-lane on-ramp from Lakeline Mall Dr. with a steep incline merges abruptly with southbound traffic on TX-183A. This can create confusion and difficulty for drivers entering the highway, especially during heavy traffic.
• Right lane restrictions: The right lane becoming a right-turn only lane further complicates merging for drivers entering the highway who need to reach the left lanes quickly to avoid exiting.
• Rush hour congestion: Heavy traffic volumes, especially during peak hours, can exacerbate these problems and increase the risk of accidents.

Common Accident Types: Rear-end collisions and sideswipes are frequent here.

2. IH-35 & US Route 290 (E. Highway 290): Austin’s Major Collision Hotspot

The intersection of IH-35 and US Route 290 in north Austin saw 36 car accidents in 2023.

Located north of downtown Austin, this major interchange sees heavy traffic due to its proximity to Highland Mall, Austin Community College: Highland Campus, Lincoln Village, and Reagan High School.

Here’s why drivers need extra caution at this intersection:

• Complex interchange: Multiple lanes, exits, merging traffic, and frequent bottlenecks create confusion and increase the risk of misjudgments
• High-speed traffic: Drivers may accelerate as they enter or exit the interstate, increasing the potential for collisions.
• Heavy traffic volumes: The mix of commuters, shoppers, and students creates ongoing congestion, especially during peak periods.
• Potential distractions: Drivers focused on navigating to nearby destinations might be less attentive to traffic patterns.

Injuries sustained in accidents at this intersection can be significant due to the potential for high-speed collisions and multi-vehicle incidents.

1. US Route 183 & US Route 290: Austin’s Most Dangerous Intersection

The intersection of US Route 183 & US Route 290 in northeast Austin experienced a staggering 61 car accidents in 2023.

Located within the Coronado Hills and University Hills neighborhoods, this intersection is a major traffic hub that poses serious risks for drivers.

Here’s why this intersection tops the list:

• Extremely heavy traffic: A convergence of commuters, local residents, and university-related traffic creates overwhelming congestion.
• Complex lane configurations: Drivers must navigate multiple lanes, merging points, and exits, increasing the chance of confusion and errors.
• Distracted driving: The sheer volume of cars and complex layout likely lead to increased driver distraction.

Rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and T-bone accidents are common at this location. The potential for serious injuries is high due to the volume and speed of traffic.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Crash in Austin, Texas

If you’ve been injured in a car accident at one of these intersections, or anywhere else in Austin, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand your legal rights. Here’s how:

• Investigate your accident: A lawyer can gather evidence like police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage to build a strong case.
• Negotiate with insurance companies: Lawyers can handle the often-frustrating process of communicating with insurance companies to fight for fair compensation.
• Help you recover compensation: Your lawyer can help you get the money you need to cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term consequences of the accident.

Important Note: It’s crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible after a car accident. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you have the best chance of a fair outcome, allowing you to focus on your recovery.