10 Dangerous Intersections in Abilene, TX for Car Accidents

April 2, 2024

Abilene, Texas saw 1,606 car accidents at intersections involving 3,266 vehicles and 4,515 people in 2023.

This article reveals Abilene’s most dangerous intersections using 2023 crash data from TXDOT’s CRIS system. Here’s an overview:

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

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

10. 14th St. & Bowie Dr.: A Hotspot for Car Accidents

14th Street and Bowie Drive saw 16 car accidents in 2023. This intersection is in central Abilene, near the Abilene Civic Center, Target, and various other businesses. 14th St. is a busy multi-lane road, while Bowie Dr. sees traffic from nearby residential neighborhoods.

Potential reasons for accidents include:

• Heavy traffic volume, especially during peak hours.
• Drivers merging onto 14th St. or turning off towards stores and homes.
• Confusion due to multiple lanes and turn options.

Common types of car accidents at this intersection include:

• Lane Change Crashes: Heavy traffic volume on 14th St. can lead to drivers switching lanes frequently, increasing the risk of side collisions.
• Rear-End Crashes: Frequent stopping and turning due to traffic signals and multiple turn lanes can cause drivers to rear-end vehicles in front of them, especially if distracted.
• T-Bone Crashes: Short turning lanes on Bowie Dr. combined with impatient drivers turning onto 14th St. can create situations where vehicles collide perpendicularly. This is known as a “T-bone collision” because the vehicles form the letter “T” at the point of impact.

Common injuries sustained here could include:

• Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries: Sudden stops and changes in speed due to frequent traffic signals and merging vehicles can cause these common injuries, such as whiplash and soft-tissue injuries.
• Bone Fractures: T-bone crashes, a common type of accident at this intersection due to short turning lanes and impatient drivers, can cause bone fractures in the legs, arms, or ribs of those involved in the collision.

9. S. 1st St. (Business I-20) & Willis St.: A High-Risk Intersection for Abilene Drivers

South 1st St. (Business I-20) and Willis St. was the site of 16 car accidents in 2023.

This busy intersection lies in the heart of Abilene, close to Oakwood Village. S. 1st St. is a major thoroughfare and carries heavy traffic, while Willis St. provides access to residential neighborhoods and businesses on the west side of the city.

Potential reasons for accidents include:

• Heavy traffic volume along S. 1st St., especially during peak hours.
• Cross traffic from Willis St. merging with S. 1st St. traffic.
• Potential for drivers to misjudge speeds and traffic patterns

Common types of car accidents at this intersection include:

• Sideswipe crashes: Drivers changing lanes or merging from Willis St. onto S. 1st might sideswipe other vehicles.
• T-bone crashes: Drivers turning from Willis St. might misjudge gaps in traffic on S. 1st, leading to side-impact collisions.
• Rear-end crashes: Sudden stops and lane changes on S. 1st, especially at traffic signals, can lead to rear-end collisions.

Common injuries sustained here could include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: These are common injuries in sideswipes and rear-end accidents, which are likely at this intersection due to frequent traffic light changes and merging traffic from Willis St.
• Broken bones and lacerations: More serious accidents, like T-bone crashes, can result in fractured bones or cuts from broken glass.

8. S. 1st St. (Business I-20) & 6th St.: Navigating a Potentially Chaotic Intersection

S. 1st St. (Business I-20) and 6th St. logged 17 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection is another central Abilene hazard, with S. 1st carrying heavy traffic through the city. 6th St. connects nearby businesses and neighborhoods to this busy thoroughfare.

Potential reasons for accidents include:

• Heavy traffic on S. 1st, especially at rush hour.
• Multiple lanes and turning options creating potential confusion.
• Drivers turning from 6th St. misjudging traffic on S. 1st.

Common types of car accidents at this intersection include:

• Sideswipe crashes: Frequent lane changes and merging traffic create the potential for vehicles sideswiping each other.
• Rear-end crashes: Sudden stops on S. 1st due to traffic signals or turning vehicles can lead to rear-end collisions.
• T-bone crashes: Drivers misjudging gaps in traffic on S. 1st. when turning from 6th St. could lead to T-bone collisions.

Common injuries sustained here could include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: These are common in sudden-impact accidents like sideswipes and rear-enders, which are likely at this intersection.
• Head and neck trauma: T-bone crashes can result in more severe head and neck injuries due to the side-impact nature of the collision.

7. Loop 322 & TX-36: Abilene Drivers Beware

Loop 322 and TX-36 had 19 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection is on the western edge of Abilene, close to Abilene Regional Airport and Lytle Lake. Loop 322 often carries highway traffic, while TX-36 brings vehicles into the city from outlying areas.

Potential reasons for accidents include:

• Mix of highway traffic on Loop 322 and merging traffic from TX-36.
• Sudden lane changes and unexpected stops by drivers unfamiliar with the area.
• Aggressive driving associated with highway speeds.

Common types of car accidents at this intersection include:

• Rear-end crashes: Sudden stops and lane changes can lead to vehicles rear-ending others, especially if drivers are distracted due to unfamiliar roads.
• Sideswipe crashes: Merging traffic and aggressive lane changes on Loop 322 can result in vehicles sideswiping each other.
• Chain-reaction crashes: High speeds and potential distractions can cause multi-vehicle pile-ups with severe effects.

Common injuries sustained here could include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Sudden stops and changes in speed common in the types of accidents at this intersection frequently cause whiplash, strains, and sprains.
• Head trauma and spinal injuries: High speeds and chain-reaction crashes can lead to head and spine injuries.

6. US 83 & TX-89: A Busy Junction in South Abilene

US 83 and TX-89 saw a concerning 21 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection is a major junction in south Abilene, located near the Mall of Abilene and several businesses. Both highways carry significant traffic and intersect at a multi-lane junction.

Potential reasons for accidents include:

• Heavy traffic volume on both US 83 and TX-89, especially during peak times.
• Drivers might misjudge speeds or misinterpret traffic patterns.
• Potential for impatience due to long wait times at traffic signals.

Common types of car accidents at this intersection include:

• T-bone crashes: Drivers turning across traffic might misjudge gaps, leading to side-impact collisions.
• Rear-end crashes: Sudden stops due to traffic signals or turning vehicles can cause rear-end collisions, especially with distracted drivers.
• Sideswipe crashes: Impatient lane changes and merging traffic increase the chances of vehicles sideswiping each other.

Common injuries sustained here could include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Sudden stops and changes in speed common in accidents at this intersection can cause whiplash and sprains.
• Head and spinal injuries: High speeds and T-bone crashes can lead to severe head and spinal injuries.
• Broken bones and lacerations: More serious accidents can result in fractured bones or cuts from broken glass.

5. S. 1st St. (Business I-20) & Treadaway Blvd.: Hazards at a Major Thoroughfare

22 car accidents were reported at S. 1st St. (Business I-20) and Treadaway Blvd. in 2023.

This intersection is located near Abilene’s city center, with heavy traffic flowing constantly along S. 1st. Treadaway Blvd. is a major road leading to Red Bud Park and the Abilene Country Club, adding to the traffic volume and complexity of the intersection.

Potential reasons for accidents include:

• Heavy traffic volume on S. 1st St., especially during rush hour.
• Drivers turning onto or off Treadaway Blvd. misjudging speeds and gaps in traffic on S. 1st.
• Limited visibility due to the road’s curvature around the intersection.

Common types of car accidents at this intersection include:

• Left-turn crashes: Turning from Treadaway Blvd. onto northbound S. 1st requires crossing multiple lanes of heavy traffic, increasing the risk of left-turn accidents compared to other intersections.
• Angle crashes: Limited visibility due to the road curvature on S. 1st approaching the intersection can lead to drivers misjudging oncoming traffic and causing angle crashes, unlike straighter intersections.
• Head-on collisions: While less common than other crashes, head-on collisions can occur at this intersection due to the combination of limited visibility, high speeds on S. 1st, and potentially aggressive lane changes to pass slower vehicles.

Common injuries sustained here could include:

• Broken bones and internal injuries: Left-turn crashes and angle crashes often involve significant force due to the angle of impact, leading to broken bones and potential internal injuries.
• Facial injuries and chest trauma: Head-on collisions, though less frequent, can cause serious facial injuries and chest trauma due to the direct impact between vehicles.

4. Treadaway Blvd. & Industrial Blvd.: Potential Confusion at a Commercial Hub

The intersection of Treadaway Blvd. and Industrial Blvd. recorded a concerning 26 car accidents in 2023.

Treadaway Boulevard is a busy commercial route, while Industrial Boulevard connects to warehouses and other businesses. This mix of traffic creates unique hazards at the intersection.

Potential reasons for accidents include:

• Heavy traffic volume, especially during peak commuting hours.
• Distractions caused by business signage and vehicles entering/exiting businesses along Treadaway Blvd.
• Potential for impatient or aggressive driving due to frequent bottlenecks.

Common types of car accidents at this intersection include:

• Rear-end crashes: Distracted drivers might not notice vehicles stopping suddenly due to backups or vehicles turning into businesses, leading to rear-end collisions.
• Sideswipe crashes: Drivers changing lanes to avoid bottlenecks or distracted by commercial activity may sideswipe other vehicles.
• Parking lot crashes: Vehicles entering or exiting the busy parking lots surrounding the intersection can collide with cars traveling on either Treadaway Blvd. or Industrial Blvd.

Common injuries sustained here could include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Rear-end collisions are the most likely type of accident at this intersection and whiplash is a frequent result of these sudden-impact accidents.
• Cuts and lacerations: Sideswipe crashes, and even parking lot collisions, can result in cuts and bruises due to broken glass or flying debris. In some cases, cuts may result in permanent scarring.
• Head injuries: While less common, more severe sideswipes or parking lot crashes could still result in drivers and passengers hitting their heads and sustaining concussions or other head trauma.

3. S. 1st St. (Business I-20) & Sayles Blvd.: A Major Abilene Crossroads

South 1st Street (Business I-20) and Sayles Boulevard experienced a concerning 27 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection sees a very high volume of traffic as S. 1st is a major thoroughfare, and Sayles Blvd. connects to businesses and residential areas. The sheer volume and the complex layout with multiple lanes contribute to its dangers. Potential reasons for accidents include:

• Heavy traffic at all hours, creating congestion and long wait times.
• Drivers might misjudge gaps in traffic or run red lights due to impatience.
• Confusion with multiple turning lanes and potential distractions from nearby businesses.

Common types of car accidents at this intersection include:

• T-bone crashes: Drivers turning onto S. 1st might misjudge the speed and distance of oncoming traffic, leading to severe side-impact collisions.
• Rear-end crashes: Sudden stops due to congestion or turning vehicles, combined with distracted or impatient drivers, can result in multiple rear-end collisions.
• Chain-reaction accidents: With high volumes of traffic and distracted drivers, a single collision at this intersection can easily lead to a chain-reaction crash involving multiple vehicles.

Common injuries sustained here could include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: Rear-end collisions and chain reaction accidents commonly cause whiplash and sprains due to the sudden and forceful impact.
• Broken bones and lacerations: T-bone crashes, which can happen frequently at this intersection, can result in broken bones and cuts due to the force of the impact and potential for broken glass.
• Head and spinal cord injuries: Severe T-bone crashes or chain-reaction accidents can lead to traumatic head and spinal injuries, especially in smaller vehicles.

2. US 83 & US 277 (14th St.): A Risky Abilene Intersection

US 83 and US 277 (14th Street) logged 28 car accidents in 2023.

Located centrally in Abilene, traffic volume at this junction is likely high – especially during peak commuting hours.

Potential reasons for accidents include:

• High speeds common on both highways, leaving less reaction time.
• Aggressive lane changes as impatient drivers try to navigate traffic.
• Drivers might misjudge gaps in traffic when entering from side streets.

Common types of car accidents at this intersection include:

• Head-on collisions: Drivers misjudging oncoming traffic while turning across multiple lanes of highway traffic can lead to potentially severe head-on collisions.
• T-bone crashes: Similar to head-on collisions, turning errors and misjudging gaps can easily result in side-impact crashes at this high-speed intersection.
• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops due to turning vehicles or congestion, plus the high speeds common on highways, can create conditions perfect for rear-end accidents.

Common injuries sustained here could include:

• Serious head and neck injuries: Head-on and T-bone crashes can lead to severe head trauma, spinal cord injuries, and facial injuries due to the high-speed impact.
• Severe whiplash and internal injuries: Even rear-end collisions at highway speeds can cause serious whiplash, internal bleeding, and other severe injuries due to the force of the impact.
• Broken bones and lacerations: More serious accidents can result in broken bones, deep cuts from broken glass or debris, and other potentially life-altering injuries, highlighting the dangers of this intersection.

1. US 83 & Southwest Dr.: Abilene’s Most Dangerous Intersection

US 83 and Southwest Drive is the most dangerous intersection in Abilene with a concerning 34 car accidents in 2023.

Both roads are busy thoroughfares, and this intersection likely sees heavy traffic volume and complex merging. Nearby sources of traffic, such as the Mall of Abilene, Abilene Christian University, and Hendrick Medical Center, increase congestion and contribute to the high accident rate.

Potential reasons for accidents include:

• High speeds common on US 83 increase the likelihood of serious collisions.
• Sudden lane changes and merging maneuvers create dangerous situations.
• Impatience or misjudgment of traffic flow can lead to risky decisions.

Common types of car accidents at this intersection include:

• T-bone crashes: Misjudging traffic gaps when turning or merging onto the highway can lead to severe side-impact accidents.
• Chain-reaction crashes: High speeds, merging traffic, and impatient drivers create a recipe for multi-vehicle pile-ups with potentially catastrophic injuries.
• Sideswipe crashes: Sudden lane changes, especially when combined with drivers traveling at unsafe speeds and congestion, can result in vehicles sideswiping each other.

Common injuries sustained here could include:

• Severe head and spinal injuries: High-speed T-bone crashes and chain-reaction accidents can lead to traumatic brain injuries and devastating spinal cord damage.
• Broken bones and internal injuries: These injuries are common in forceful side-impact collisions and multi-vehicle crashes that are prevalent at this intersection.
• Whiplash and soft tissue damage: Whiplash and other soft-tissue damage can be a frequent result of rear-end and sideswipe crashes.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You After an Abilene Car Crash

If you’ve been injured in an Abilene car crash, an experienced car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims, negotiate fair settlements, and fight for your rights in court if necessary. A lawyer can:

• Investigate the accident: They can gather evidence, interview witnesses, and determine who’s at fault for your injuries.
• Handle communication with insurance companies: Lawyers understand the tactics insurers use and can work to protect you from unfair settlement offers.
• Value your claim: They’ll calculate the total cost of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Fight for maximum compensation: Lawyers can negotiate with the insurance companies or take your case to trial to secure the compensation you deserve.