10 Dangerous Intersections in Amarillo, TX for Car Accidents

March 29, 2024

A staggering 2,110 car accidents occurred at intersections in Amarillo in 2023, involving 4,382 vehicles and 5,900 people.

This article explores the 10 most dangerous intersections in Amarillo based on the number of car accidents in 2023, according to data from TXDOT’s CRIS system. Here’s an overview:

10. 45th St. & Bell St.: A Hotspot for Auto Accidents

The intersection of 45th Street and Bell Street, near John S. Stiff Memorial Park, saw 17 car accidents last year. It’s a meeting point in western Amarillo between busy commercial road 45th St. and residential connector Bell St.

Here’s what makes this intersection dangerous:

• Traffic mix: 45th St. carries fast commercial traffic, while Bell St. is slower due to its residential nature.
• Speed differential: This speed difference creates a dangerous gap for those turning onto or crossing 45th St.
• Visibility issues: The park might obscure views, especially when turning onto fast-moving 45th St.
• Distracted driving: Nearby businesses on 45th St. create potential driver distraction.

Common negligence at this intersection includes:

• Speeding: Drivers on 45th St. may exceed the limit, making it harder to stop in time to avoid an accident.
• Failure to yield: Drivers turning from Bell St. might misjudge gaps in 45th St. traffic due to the speed difference.
• Distracted driving: Businesses along 45th St. could draw attention from drivers, leading to inattention and accidents at the intersection.
• Red-Light Runners: According to Amarillo’s local radio station, The Bull, drivers often run red lights at this intersection.

This can lead to these common accident types:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops on 45th St. are hazardous, especially with speeding or inattentive drivers.
• Side-impact crashes: Misjudged traffic gaps can cause serious T-bone crashes when turning from Bell St. onto 45th St.
• Distracted driving crashes: Accidents caused by preoccupied drivers are likely at this intersection due to nearby businesses.

These accidents commonly cause injuries like:

• Whiplash: Sudden jolts can strain the neck and back.
• Minor cuts: Broken glass or airbags can cause lacerations.
• Severe injuries: High-speed or side-impact crashes can cause severe head, neck, and back injuries.

9. US 60 (E. Amarillo Blvd.) & N. Buchanon St.: A High-Risk Intersection for Amarillo Drivers

This intersection, near Will Rogers Park and fast-food spots, saw 18 car accidents in 2023. It connects major US 60 (East Amarillo Blvd.) with N. Buchanan St., a mix of businesses and homes. This intersection poses unique hazards for Amarillo drivers.

This intersection’s dangers include:

• Confusing layout: Amarillo Blvd. is older, with lots of signs, increasing disorientation on this busy road.
• No shoulder: This leaves zero room for error, making accidents more dangerous and hindering safe stops.
• Diverse traffic: Commuters, shoppers, and residents create unpredictable patterns, especially during busy hours.

Common negligence at this intersection includes:

• Running red lights: Distracted or rushed drivers are more likely to run lights, especially with multiple turning lanes.
• Unsafe lane changes: Complex lanes can cause swerving and sudden lane changes, increasing sideswipe risk.
• Distracted driving: Restaurants, traffic signs, and the intersection layout can lead to distraction and delayed reaction times.

This leads to common accidents like:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops due to traffic or unexpected hazards on a road with no shoulder are dangerous.
• Side-impact crashes: Misjudged traffic gaps can lead to T-bone collisions, especially at the busy left turn onto US 60 (East Amarillo Blvd.) from N. Buchanan St.
• Crashes near businesses: Exiting or entering traffic near fast-food spots is risky due to obstructed views and chaotic traffic.

These accidents increase the risk of:

• Whiplash: Sudden impacts cause common neck injuries.
• Cuts and bruises: Broken glass or airbags cause these.
• Severe injuries: Head, back, and spinal injuries are possible in high-speed or side-impact crashes.

8. I-27 & Washington St.: Navigating Hazards Near Tradewind Airport

The interchange of I-27 and Washington St., located in northeast Amarillo near Tradewind Airport, saw 18 car accidents in 2023.

This interchange’s unique dangers include:

• High speeds: Interstate traffic moves quickly, requiring fast acceleration and braking near exits and on-ramps.
• Merging lanes: Multiple lanes merge and diverge, increasing the risk of misjudging gaps and sideswipe accidents.
• Airport distractions: Aircraft taking off and landing could distract drivers, especially if they are unfamiliar with the area.

Common negligence at this interchange includes:

• Unsafe speeds: Drivers may speed on the interstate, making it hard to react in time to merging traffic or sudden slowdowns.
• Unsafe lane changes: Quick lane changes to reach exits or navigate merges create risks, especially with high-speed traffic.
• Distracted driving: The airport, unfamiliar exits, and heavy traffic can overwhelm drivers and lead to delayed reaction times.

This often leads to these types of accidents:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops or slowing traffic, especially near exits, can lead to these.
• Sideswipe accidents: Misjudged lane changes are common in merging areas.
• Crashes near exits and on-ramps: Drivers rushing to navigate the interchange make mistakes at entry and exit points.

Injuries stemming from these accidents can include:

• Whiplash: Sudden impacts strain the neck and back.
• Cuts and bruises: Broken glass or airbags cause lacerations and contusions.
• Severe injuries: Head, back, and spinal injuries are possible in high-speed accidents, especially with sideswipe impacts.

7. I-27 & Loop 335: A Busy Amarillo Interchange

The interchange of I-27 and Loop 335 saw a concerning 19 car accidents in 2023. This major interchange is located in the southwest quadrant of Amarillo. Nearby, you’ll find large distribution warehouses, trucking terminals, and industrial complexes.

This interchange is particularly dangerous due to:

• High traffic volume: Both I-27 and Loop 335 are major transportation arteries, carrying significant car and truck traffic through the area.
• Large commercial vehicles: Trucks frequenting nearby warehouses and industrial complexes create size mismatches and blind spots for smaller vehicles.
• Frequent bottlenecks: Merging traffic and lane changes, especially during peak hours, often cause slowdowns and sudden stops.

Common forms of negligence at this interchange include:

• Unsafe speeds: Drivers may exceed limits on these open, multi-lane roads, making it hard to brake suddenly in congested conditions.
• Tailgating: Following too closely leaves little room to react to sudden stops in congested areas, especially when navigating around larger commercial vehicles.
• Distracted driving: The complex navigation, heavy traffic, and industrial setting may create distractions for drivers.

These factors likely contribute to common car accidents like:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops due to bottlenecks or congestion are a major risk with high-speed and high-volume traffic.
• Sideswipe accidents: Misjudged lane changes are common when navigating merges, especially with large trucks obstructing visibility for drivers in smaller vehicles.
• Multi-vehicle accidents: Initial collisions can trigger chain reactions on this busy and fast-moving interchange.

Injuries in these accidents might range from:

• Whiplash: Sudden impacts can strain the neck and cause soft tissue injuries.
• Broken bones: The force of high-speed crashes can cause fractures, especially in side-impact collisions.
• Traumatic injuries: Severe multi-vehicle accidents can cause head injuries, internal organ damage, or even spinal trauma, especially with the potential impact of collisions involving large commercial vehicles.

6. I-40 & Soncy Rd.: Navigating Traffic Near Westgate Mall

The intersection of I-40 and Soncy Rd. saw a concerning 20 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection sits at the heart of Amarillo’s main commercial area, with the Westgate Mall and Summit Shopping Center nearby. Other points of interest include the Sleepy Hollow neighborhood and several hotels catering to visitors.

This intersection is particularly dangerous due to:

• Heavy traffic: The mall and surrounding shopping centers draw significant traffic, especially during weekends and peak shopping seasons.
• Mix of drivers: Shoppers heading to the mall might be unfamiliar with the area, leading to confusion navigating entrances and exits, increasing the risk of misjudging gaps in traffic.
• Distractions: Shoppers may be distracted while searching for parking or navigating the busy commercial lots, increasing the risk of accidents when entering/exiting the main roadways.

Common forms of negligence at this intersection include:

• Unsafe speeds: Drivers may exceed limits on these open roads, especially with merging traffic and impatient shoppers.
• Sudden lane changes: Drivers rushing to reach mall exits or navigate dense traffic might change lanes abruptly, causing sideswipe accidents.
• Distracted driving: The search for parking, unfamiliar exits, and heavy traffic demand full attention, but drivers may be preoccupied with phones or their shopping plans.

These factors likely contribute to common car accidents like:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops due to traffic congestion or mall exits are particularly dangerous in this area due to the mix of speeds and driver distractions.
• Sideswipe accidents: Misjudged lane changes are common when navigating between high-traffic areas and mall access roads.
• Crashes near mall entrances/exits: Drivers turning into or out of mall parking lots can misjudge traffic flow, especially during peak shopping hours.

Injuries in these accidents might range from:

• Whiplash: Sudden impacts can strain the neck and cause soft tissue injuries.
• Cuts and bruises: Broken glass or airbags can injure drivers and passengers.
• Severe injuries: Head, back, and spinal injuries are possible in high-speed accidents, or if a sideswipe collision pushes a vehicle into oncoming traffic.

5. I-40 (US 287) & Grand St.: Busy Amarillo Crossroads

The intersection of I-40 (US 287) and Grand St. saw 20 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection marks a major entry point into downtown Amarillo, connecting the interstate with roads leading to Amarillo Civic Center, the Amarillo Public Library, Potter County Courthouse, and the historic heart of the city.

This intersection is particularly dangerous due to:

• Mix of traffic: Highway traffic moving at high speeds intersects with slower-moving city traffic, creating a dangerous mix.
• Sudden speed changes: Drivers exiting the highway must brake quickly while city traffic accelerates, increasing the risk of misjudgments and rear-end collisions.
• Limited visibility: Highway overpasses and downtown buildings can obstruct visibility, making it harder to judge gaps in traffic when entering or crossing the intersection.

Common forms of negligence at this intersection include:

• Unsafe speeds: Drivers exiting I-40 may misjudge the required speed reduction, and city drivers might speed when approaching the highway on-ramp.
• Running red lights: Drivers in a hurry may rush to make a light change, especially at this transition zone between faster and slower traffic zones.
• Distracted driving: The transition between highway and city driving, along with nearby government buildings and businesses, can lead to driver distraction.

These factors likely contribute to common car accidents like:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden braking by exiting vehicles or unexpected stops on Grand St. can lead to these.
• Side-impact crashes: Misjudged traffic gaps or running red lights can lead to dangerous T-bone collisions.
• Accidents involving pedestrians: The mix of slower pedestrian traffic downtown and faster traffic near the highway increases pedestrian accident risk, especially with limited visibility.

Injuries in these accidents might range from:

• Whiplash: Sudden impacts strain the neck and back.
• Broken bones: The force of high-speed crashes can cause fractures, especially in side-impact collisions.
• Traumatic injuries: Severe accidents have the potential to cause head injuries, internal injuries, or spinal trauma. Pedestrians struck by vehicles are especially vulnerable to severe injuries.

4. US 60 (E. Amarillo Blvd.) & Fillmore St.: Amarillo Traffic Challenges

The intersection of US 60 (E. Amarillo Blvd.) and Fillmore St. saw 21 car accidents in 2023.

This area on Amarillo Blvd. is a mix of older commercial establishments, restaurants, motels, and residential streets. The older design of Amarillo Blvd. combined with this mix of traffic creates challenges for drivers.

This intersection is particularly dangerous due to:

• Confusing roadways: Amarillo Blvd. lacks clearly defined lanes and shoulders in some areas, increasing the risk of drivers drifting or misjudging merges.
• Outdated infrastructure: Some traffic signals and signs may be older, creating confusion for drivers unfamiliar with the area.
• Mix of traffic: Commercial establishments draw traffic alongside residents traveling on N. Fillmore St., leading to a mix of speeds and unpredictable driving patterns.

Common forms of negligence at this intersection include:

• Unsafe speeds: Drivers may misjudge safe speeds on Amarillo Blvd. given its inconsistent design and the mix of commercial and residential traffic.
• Ignoring traffic signals: Drivers in a hurry might run red lights or ignore stop signs where they intersect with Amarillo Blvd.
• Distracted driving: Restaurants, motels, and traffic signs create potential distractions, leading to delayed reactions or missed signage.

These factors likely contribute to common car accidents like:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops due to traffic lights, turning vehicles, or the lack of clear merge lanes can lead to rear-end accidents.
• Side-impact crashes: Misjudged turns or running red lights can lead to dangerous T-bone collisions, especially at intersections with smaller residential streets.
• Crashes near businesses: Drivers exiting or entering businesses along Amarillo Blvd. have greater risks with limited visibility and confusing lane markings.

Injuries in these accidents might range from:

• Whiplash: Sudden impacts strain the neck and back.
• Cuts and bruises: Broken glass or airbags cause these.
• Severe injuries: Head, back, and spinal injuries are possible in high-speed accidents, especially with side-impact collisions or those involving drivers pulling out from businesses into Amarillo Blvd. traffic.

3. Hillside Rd. & Soncy Rd.: Accidents in a Residential Area

The intersection of Hillside Rd. and Soncy Rd. saw 21 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection sits primarily within The Colonies, a larger residential neighborhood. However, both Hillside Rd. and Soncy Rd. are major thoroughfares used by commuters traveling to different areas of Amarillo.

This intersection is particularly dangerous due to:

• Traffic volume: Both roads see heavy traffic, especially during rush hour and as residents access neighborhoods from major roads.
• Speed differential: Residential traffic on Hillside Rd. tends to be slower, while Soncy Rd. often carries faster commuter traffic.
• Residential exits/entrances: Driveways and smaller neighborhood streets intersect with both roads, increasing the risk of misjudged gaps in traffic.

Common forms of negligence at this intersection include:

• Speeding on Soncy Rd.: Drivers on Soncy Rd. may exceed residential speed limits, making it difficult to react in time to vehicles entering or exiting the neighborhood.
• Failure to yield: Drivers exiting The Colonies neighborhood might misjudge the speed of traffic on Soncy Rd.
• Distracted driving: Residential drivers may be distracted by familiar surroundings, while commuters focused on getting home or to work could be less attentive to traffic patterns in this mixed-use area.

These factors likely contribute to common car accidents like:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops on Soncy Rd., especially with speeding vehicles or those turning onto Hillside Rd., can trigger rear-end accidents.
• Side-impact crashes: Misjudged turns out of side streets or driveways can lead to dangerous T-bone collisions where they intersect with Soncy Rd. and Hillside Rd.
• Accidents near driveways: Drivers entering or exiting driveways may accidentally pull out into the path of oncoming traffic, particularly during high-traffic hours.

Injuries in these accidents might range from:

• Whiplash: Sudden impacts can strain the neck and cause soft tissue injuries.
• Broken bones: The force of side-impact collisions can cause fractures, especially near residential entry/exit points.
• Severe injuries: Head, back, and spinal injuries are possible in high-speed accidents or collisions involving vehicles turning onto major thoroughfares.

2. 3rd Ave. & Fillmore St. (US 87): Amarillo Car Crash Hotspot

The intersection of SE 3rd Ave. and Fillmore St. (US 87) saw 21 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection is located near downtown Amarillo and sits adjacent to the Amarillo Police Department, the public library, the Amarillo Civic Center complex, the Potter County Courthouse, and City Hall.

This intersection is particularly dangerous due to:

• High traffic volume: The concentration of government buildings and the downtown location naturally increase traffic flow in this area.
• Pedestrian traffic: Visitors to the nearby government buildings, library, and civic center increase pedestrian traffic, creating a mix of slower-moving foot traffic and higher-speed vehicular traffic.
• Limited visibility: Large buildings in the immediate area can create visual obstructions for drivers entering the intersection and navigating turns.

Common forms of negligence at this intersection include:

• Unsafe speeds: Drivers may misjudge safe speeds with the mix of pedestrian traffic and unpredictable vehicle congestion near government buildings.
• Running red lights: Drivers in a hurry, especially those exiting parking lots near busy government buildings, may be more likely to run lights.
• Distracted driving: The concentration of important civic services and high pedestrian activity increase the risk of driver distraction in this area.

These factors likely contribute to common car accidents like:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops due to traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, or vehicles exiting parking areas can lead to rear-end accidents.
• Side-impact crashes: Misjudged turns or running red lights can lead to dangerous T-bone collisions where major roads intersect.
• Accidents involving pedestrians: The high foot traffic in this area increases the risk of pedestrian accidents, particularly at intersections or near parking areas.

Injuries in these accidents might range from:

• Whiplash: Sudden impacts strain the neck and back.
• Broken bones and severe injuries: Side-impact collisions can cause serious injuries, especially if involving a vehicle turning into pedestrian traffic.
• Traumatic injuries: Pedestrians struck by vehicles are especially vulnerable to severe injuries, including head injuries, internal injuries, and spinal trauma.

1. I-40 & Paramount Blvd.: Amarillo’s Most Dangerous Intersection for Car Wrecks

The intersection of I-40 and Paramount Blvd. saw an alarming 30 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection is located in a major commercial hub of Amarillo, with Wolflin Square, Lawrence Park, the Western Plaza Mall, and the Wolflin Terrace Neighborhood nearby.

This intersection is particularly dangerous due to:

• Heavy traffic volume: The nearby mall, restaurants, and numerous businesses attract significant traffic, especially during weekends and peak shopping seasons.
• High speeds: I-40 traffic moves quickly, requiring fast acceleration and braking near exits and on-ramps.
• Distractions: Shoppers and those visiting the area may be more focused on signs and destinations, leading to inattention and accidents at the interchange and nearby intersections.

Common forms of negligence at this intersection include:

• Unsafe speeds: Drivers may exceed limits on the interstate or rush while approaching mall exits or business areas.
• Impatience: Shoppers in a hurry may make risky lane changes or run red lights as they navigate the busy commercial area.
• Distracted driving: The search for stores, unfamiliar exits, and heavy traffic demand full attention, but drivers may be preoccupied with phones or navigation systems.

These factors likely contribute to common car accidents like:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops due to traffic congestion or exiting vehicles are a major risk with high-speed and high-volume traffic.
• Sideswipe accidents: Misjudged lane changes are common when navigating merges, especially in areas with distracted drivers focused on shopping.
• Multi-vehicle accidents: Initial collisions can trigger chain reactions on this busy interchange and in nearby congested commercial areas.

Injuries in these accidents might range from:

• Whiplash: Sudden impacts cause strain to the neck and can lead to soft tissue injuries.
• Broken bones: The force of high-speed crashes can cause fractures, especially in side-impact collisions.
• Traumatic injuries: Severe multi-vehicle accidents have the potential to cause head injuries, internal organ damage, or spinal trauma.

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

If you’ve been injured in a car accident at one of these dangerous intersections, or anywhere else in Amarillo, an experienced car accident lawyer can help. An experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal complexities following a crash, ensuring your rights are protected.

Here’s how they can assist:

• Investigating the accident: A lawyer can collect evidence, like police reports, witness statements, and traffic camera footage, to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A lawyer can negotiate aggressively to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
• Assessing your damages: A lawyer will carefully assess all your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and potential future losses due to your injuries.
• Filing a lawsuit (if necessary): If an insurance settlement can’t be reached, your lawyer can represent you in court to fight for your rights.