10 Dangerous Intersections in El Paso, TX for Car Accidents

March 19, 2024

In 2023, El Paso experienced a shocking 8,214 car accidents at intersections. These collisions involved 16,785 vehicles and sadly impacted 22,805 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 El Paso, Texas in 2023:

The following cluster map offers a detailed view of high-incident intersections and interchanges throughout the city:

10. I-10 & Hawkins Blvd.: A Hotspot for El Paso Car Accidents

52 car accidents occurred at I-10 and Hawkins Boulevard in 2023.

This busy interchange is situated in East El Paso, where high-speed traffic on I-10 collides with the heavy flow of vehicles entering and exiting Hawkins Blvd., a major roadway leading to popular shopping destinations like Cielo Vista Mall and The Fountains at Farah.

The unique design of this interchange creates a complex traffic environment that contributes to its high accident rate. Here’s why:

• Multiple merging lanes: I-10 eastbound traffic has several exit and entrance ramps concentrated in a short distance around the Hawkins Blvd. intersection. This forces vehicles to merge and change lanes frequently in a high-speed zone, increasing the risk of miscalculations and collisions.
• Short entry and exit ramps: The entry and exit ramps for I-10 are relatively short, leaving drivers with limited space to accelerate or decelerate to match the flow of traffic on the highway. This can lead to sudden stops, last-minute lane changes, and rear-end collisions.
• Limited visibility: The presence of commercial buildings and signage near the interchange can obstruct driver visibility, especially for those entering or exiting the highway. This can make it difficult for drivers to judge approaching traffic speeds and reaction times.

Common forms of negligence at this intersection often stem from the complex layout:

• Speeding: Drivers on I-10 might maintain high speeds as they approach the exit, misjudging the need to slow down for merging traffic.
• Improper lane changes: Aggressive lane changes to reach exits or enter the highway can lead to sideswipes and collisions with vehicles already occupying those lanes.
• Inattentive driving: Distractions from nearby businesses or looking for exits can cause drivers to miss crucial traffic signals or fail to notice vehicles around them.

The combination of these factors can result in a variety of accidents at this intersection:

• Rear-end collisions: Frequent stop-and-go traffic due to merging and exiting vehicles creates a prime environment for rear-end crashes, especially for drivers who are following too closely or speeding.
• Sideswipes: As vehicles jockey for position to exit or enter I-10, sideswipe accidents can occur due to sudden lane changes or misjudging blind spots.
• Multi-vehicle pileups: When multiple vehicles are merging or exiting at high speeds, sudden stops or aggressive maneuvers can trigger chain reaction accidents involving several cars.

The potential for serious injuries is high at this intersection due to the high-speed nature of I-10 traffic. Whiplash, broken bones, and head trauma are all common injuries, with the severity depending on the force and type of impact.

9. Woodrow Bean Trans Mountain Dr. & US 85 (US 180): A High-Risk Intersection for El Paso Drivers

53 car accidents were reported at intersection of Woodrow Bean Trans Mountain Dr. & US 85 (US 180) in 2023.

Located in Northeast El Paso, this intersection marks a key point where high-speed traffic on two major routes converges – Woodrow Bean Transmountain Drive (a highway that cuts through the Franklin Mountains) and US 85 (US 180). It also lies close to residential areas and Fort Bliss, further increasing traffic flow.

This intersection’s unique features create a challenging environment for drivers:

• High-speed traffic: Both Woodrow Bean Transmountain Dr. and US 85 allow for fast-moving traffic, leading drivers to underestimate stopping times or misjudge merging speeds.
• Complex merging patterns: Where the highway cuts through the mountain range, there are multiple merging points on both sides, forcing drivers to quickly navigate lane changes and incoming traffic from different directions.
• Potential for bottlenecks: The combination of high speeds and traffic flow from residential areas, Fort Bliss, and the highway itself can create congestion at this intersection, particularly during peak commuting hours.

Common forms of negligence at this intersection could include:

• Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limits, especially when approaching the intersection where traffic merges.
• Reckless lane changes: Aggressive weaving between lanes on either highway to position for turns or to navigate congestion increases the risk of sideswipes and collisions.
• Failing to yield right-of-way: Drivers misjudging speeds and distances of oncoming vehicles might mistakenly pull out into the intersection, leading to dangerous collisions.

The following types of accidents are likely to occur at this location:

• T-bone collisions: Misjudging traffic gaps or failing to yield can result in high-impact side crashes as vehicles attempt to cross the intersection.
• Sideswipes: Aggressive lane changes or misjudging distances can cause sideswipes as vehicles merge or navigate traffic congestion.
• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops or bottlenecks due to heavy traffic can lead to rear-end crashes, especially if drivers are speeding or distracted.

The severity of injuries at this intersection can be significant. High-speed traffic on the main roads increases the force of impact in case of an accident, potentially leading to severe head trauma, broken bones, internal injuries, and even fatalities.

8. Loop 375 & Montwood Dr.: Navigating the Hazards of this East El Paso Intersection

Loop 375 and Montwood Dr. saw a concerning 53 car accidents in 2023. Located on El Paso’s Eastside, this intersection presents a unique challenge due to the convergence of high-speed highway traffic with the bustle of local roads, airport traffic, and major shopping centers.

Here’s what makes this El Paso intersection particularly dangerous:

• Clash of traffic patterns: Loop 375 carries fast-moving traffic, while Montwood Dr. has a mix of local drivers, commercial vehicles turning, and airport-bound traffic at varying speeds. This creates a potential recipe for misjudgments and collisions.
• Confusing layout: Montwood Dr. intersects with Loop 375’s access roads, featuring multiple stoplights, crosswalks, and lanes of traffic merging on and off the highway. Unfamiliar drivers might get confused, leading to dangerous mistakes.
• Heavy congestion: The proximity to El Paso International Airport and large shopping centers means constant traffic flow. This can lead to sudden bottlenecks and unpredictable changes in traffic patterns, increasing accident risks.

Common forms of negligence at this East El Paso intersection include:

• Aggressive driving on Loop 375: Drivers might mistakenly maintain high speeds, not realizing the stop-and-go nature of traffic exiting and entering the highway.
• Running red lights or misjudging turns: High traffic volume and confusing signals could lead to drivers running late yellows, entering intersections illegally, and causing serious accidents.
• Distracted driving: The busy commercial area can divert attention, leaving drivers less aware of merging traffic or sudden lane changes, raising collision risks.

Types of accidents likely at Loop 375 & Montwood Dr.:

• Side-impact crashes: Turning mistakes, running red lights, or misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic can result in serious T-bone or side-impact collisions.
• Rear-end collisions: Abrupt lane changes or sudden braking by drivers exiting the loop can cause rear-end accidents, especially if traffic is moving slowly.
• Accidents involving pedestrians: With a mix of crosswalks and high volumes of vehicles moving in different directions, pedestrians or cyclists could be at risk.

Injuries at this intersection can range from moderate to severe. Whiplash, broken bones, and head trauma are common depending on the speed and type of impact.

7. N. Zaragoza Rd. & Montwood Dr.: Navigating Through Congestion in Far East El Paso

N. Zaragoza Rd. and Montwood Dr. experienced 54 car accidents in 2023. Located in the rapidly developing Far East El Paso, this intersection is surrounded by residential areas, busy shopping plazas, and increasing traffic flow.

Here’s what makes this Far East El Paso intersection challenging for drivers:

• Heavy traffic volume: Population growth and commercial development have significantly increased the number of cars using this intersection, making it a prime spot for traffic congestion.
• Impatience and misjudgments: Drivers caught in slow-moving traffic might become frustrated, leading to risky lane changes, running late yellows, or misjudging traffic flow in the intersection.
• Limited visibility in some areas: Depending on the direction of travel, some lanes might have visibility obstructed by buildings or large vehicles, making it harder to judge the distance and speed of other cars.

Common forms of negligence at this Far East El Paso intersection could include:

• Tailgating: When traffic is congested, drivers might follow too closely, leaving insufficient time to react if the car in front stops suddenly.
• Running red lights: Frustration with delays or misjudging traffic signals could lead to drivers entering the intersection on late yellows or reds.
• Distracted driving: With surrounding commercial areas and slow-moving traffic, drivers might be tempted to check their phones or lose focus on the road, increasing their risks.

Types of accidents likely at N. Zaragoza Rd. & Montwood Dr.:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden braking, aggressive lane changes, and tailgating in congested traffic are perfect conditions for rear-end accidents.
• Sideswipe collisions: Impatient maneuvering or frustration with traffic could lead to sideswipes as vehicles jockey for position.
• Multi-vehicle pileups: When initial collisions occur in heavy traffic, it can quickly trigger a chain reaction with limited space for cars to react or avoid impact.

Injuries at this intersection can vary depending on the severity of the collision. Potential injuries include whiplash, broken bones, lacerations, and even head trauma, particularly in multi-vehicle pile-ups.

6. Loop 375 & Edgemere Blvd.: Where Highway Merging Increases El Paso Car Accident Risks

Loop 375 and Edgemere Blvd. saw a concerning 60 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection, located on El Paso’s Far East side, presents a common hazard for El Paso drivers: the merging of high-speed highway traffic with a busy commercial street.

Here’s why this intersection contributes to El Paso car accidents:

• Dangerous highway merging: Vehicles on Loop 375 travel at high speeds and must merge with slower-moving traffic and cars exiting onto Edgemere Blvd. This creates a prime situation for misjudging distances, speeds, and available gaps in traffic.
• Confusing traffic patterns: Edgemere Blvd. has a mix of commercial traffic, local drivers, and frequent stoplights near the Loop 375 intersection, disrupting traffic flow and leading to unpredictable driving behaviors.
• Potential for bottlenecks: The combination of merging drivers, stoplights, and high traffic volumes can lead to congestion, increasing the risk of sudden stops, impatient decisions, and El Paso car accidents.

Common forms of negligence that increase El Paso car accident risks at this intersection include:

• Aggressive merging from the highway: Drivers on Loop 375 might try to force their way into traffic on Edgemere Blvd. or misjudge the space available, leading to collisions.
• Improper lane changes: Impatience in slow-moving traffic or sudden decisions to exit the highway can lead to dangerous last-minute lane changes and increase El Paso car accident risks.
• Distracted driving: The mix of highway signs, nearby businesses, and traffic lights can easily distract drivers, leading to inattention and increasing the potential for El Paso car accidents.

This intersection is prone to the following types of accidents:

• Sideswipe collisions: Aggressive merging or improper lane changes often result in sideswipes, especially with fast-moving highway traffic involved.
• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops on the highway as cars merge, or congestion on Edgemere Blvd, can lead to rear-end accidents as drivers fail to maintain a safe distance.
• Rollovers: Vehicles attempting sudden maneuvers at high speeds on exit or entry ramps could potentially lose control and cause rollover accidents.

Injuries at this intersection can range from moderate to severe. The involvement of high-speed traffic increases the impact and potential for serious injuries in El Paso car accidents.

5. I-10 & N. Lee Trevino Dr.: Where Interstates Collide and El Paso Car Accident Risks Rise

I-10 and N. Lee Trevino Dr. witnessed 62 car accidents in 2023.

This East El Paso interchange involves two major Interstates, leading to heavy traffic, complex maneuvers, and an increased risk of serious accidents.

Here’s what makes this intersection a danger zone for El Paso drivers:

• High-speed traffic on both interstates: I-10 and N. Lee Trevino are designed for fast-moving traffic, and a collision at these speeds can be devastating. Misjudging speeds or traffic gaps is a major hazard in this area.
• Complex merging patterns: This interchange requires drivers to make lane changes, merge, and navigate traffic entering and exiting from multiple directions – a prime recipe for El Paso car accidents.
• Potential for driver confusion: The layout, signage for both freeways, and the sheer volume of traffic can be overwhelming, leading to mistakes, hesitation, and increasing the potential for El Paso car accidents.

Common forms of negligence that increase El Paso car accident risks at this intersection:

• Speeding on the interstates: Drivers might underestimate the need to slow down for merging traffic or maintain excessive speed while approaching the interchange.
• Misjudging merging traffic: The combination of high speeds and complex merging patterns makes it easy to misjudge the speed or distance of oncoming vehicles when entering or changing lanes on either interstate.
• Distracted driving: The multitude of potential distractions – signage, nearby commercial areas, navigating the interchange itself – can divert a driver’s attention, increasing the likelihood of El Paso car accidents.

This dangerous El Paso intersection often witnesses these types of accidents:

• Multi-vehicle pileups: A single collision on high-speed interstates can quickly trigger a chain reaction, involving several vehicles and increasing the potential for severe El Paso car accidents.
• Sideswipe collisions: Sudden lane shifts, merging without enough space, or misjudging blind spots can lead to sideswipe collisions at this interchange.
• Head-on collisions: Confusion at the interchange or missed exits could lead to wrong-way driving or attempts to change directions illegally, resulting in potential head-on collisions.

Injuries sustained at I-10 & N. Lee Trevino Dr. can be extremely severe due to the high-speed nature of the roadways. Potential injuries include serious head trauma, broken bones, internal injuries, and even fatalities in El Paso car accidents.

4. Loop 375 & US 180: A Crossroads of Traffic and El Paso Car Accident Risks

US 180 (Montana Ave./US 62) and Loop 375 saw a concerning 74 car accidents in 2023.

Located in East El Paso, this busy intersection brings together a major highway (US 180) and a loop (Loop 375). This creates a challenging environment for drivers, increasing the potential for El Paso car accidents.

Here’s why this intersection is so dangerous:

• High traffic volume and complex patterns: Both US 180 and Loop 375 carry heavy traffic, and the interchange design requires drivers to navigate merges, lane changes, and cross traffic from multiple directions.
• Potential for misjudgments: Drivers unfamiliar with the area might misjudge traffic flow, underestimate the speed of merging vehicles, or get confused by the intersection’s layout – all leading to El Paso car accidents.
• Aggressive driving and sudden maneuvers: The mix of highway and local traffic can lead to frustration, speeding, and sudden lane changes, increasing the risk of El Paso car accidents.

Common forms of negligence that contribute to El Paso car accidents here include:

• Speeding on major roads: Drivers might maintain high speeds on US 180 or Loop 375, failing to realize the need to slow down for merging traffic or unexpected stops.
• Confusion about right-of-way: The complex design can lead to drivers misinterpreting who has the right-of-way when entering the intersection, potentially causing collisions.
• Improper turning at high speeds: Turning mistakes at an intersection with fast-moving traffic can result in serious El Paso car accidents.

Types of accidents likely to occur at US 180 & Loop 375:

• T-bone collisions: Misjudgments while turning or crossing the intersection can lead to high-impact side-impact crashes.
• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops or changes in traffic flow can easily cause rear-end accidents, especially when drivers are speeding, merging, or not paying attention.
• Accidents involving pedestrians or cyclists: With crosswalks, high volumes of cars, and potential confusion in the area, there’s an increased risk to pedestrians and cyclists involved in El Paso car accidents.

Injuries at this busy East El Paso intersection can range from minor to severe or potentially fatal. Drivers and passengers may suffer from whiplash, broken bones, lacerations, internal injuries, and head trauma, depending on the speed and type of the collision.

3. US 85 (US 180) & TX-178: A Dangerous Convergence Where El Paso Car Accidents Are Likely

US 85 (US 180) and TX-178 experienced 74 car accidents in 2023. Located on the west side of El Paso, this intersection is a convergence point for two major routes, increasing the risk of El Paso car accidents due to high-speed traffic and complex driving conditions.

Here’s what makes this West El Paso intersection particularly dangerous:

• Open highways with sudden intersections: US 85 and TX-178 are designed for high-speed travel, but their intersection creates an abrupt change in traffic patterns that can catch drivers unaware.
• Multiple lanes and merging traffic: Multiple lanes for merging traffic, turning vehicles, and those continuing straight create the potential for misjudgments, increasing the risk of El Paso car accidents.
• Potential for speeding: Drivers might underestimate the need to slow down significantly for the intersection, leading to dangerous situations and increasing the severity of any El Paso car accidents that occur.

Common forms of negligence that contribute to El Paso car accidents at this intersection:

• Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limits on the main roads and misjudging the need to slow down at the intersection, making controlled stops harder.
• Misjudging traffic gaps: The high speeds make it difficult to accurately judge the distance and speed of oncoming vehicles. A wrong decision when merging or crossing can lead to a serious collision.
• Failure to yield right-of-way: Confusion over who has the right-of-way at the intersection, particularly for drivers turning or less familiar with the area, contributes to El Paso car accidents.

Types of El Paso car accidents commonly seen at US 85 & TX-178:

• Head-on collisions: Attempts to cross multiple lanes of high-speed traffic, or mistakes at the intersection due to confusion, can lead to devastating head-on crashes.
• Sideswipe collisions: Sudden lane changes, or misjudging distances when merging can result in sideswipe collisions, especially at high speeds.
• Rollovers: Vehicles attempting sudden maneuvers at excessive speeds, or those impacted by other collisions, might be prone to rollovers.

Injuries at this intersection can be extremely severe, potentially even fatal. The high-speed nature of the roadways increases the force of impact in El Paso car accidents, leading to serious head trauma, spinal injuries, internal damage, and broken bones.

2. I-10 & George Dieter Dr.: Eastside Freeway Challenges Increase Risk of El Paso Auto Accidents

I-10 and George Dieter Dr. (TX-659) were the site of 76 car accidents in 2023.

This East El Paso interchange combines the busy I-10 freeway with traffic from commercial and residential areas, creating several potential causes of El Paso auto accidents.

Here’s what makes this East El Paso interchange dangerous for drivers:

• Sudden freeway exits and merging: Drivers on I-10 often need to quickly navigate lanes to reach exits, while those entering the freeway must merge into high-speed traffic. This creates potential for misjudgments and car crashes in El Paso.
• Interchange confusion: Drivers unfamiliar with the area might get confused by the layout, exit locations, and traffic signals, increasing the risk of El Paso truck wrecks and other accidents.
• Heavy traffic volumes: I-10 carries significant traffic, especially at peak hours, and the mix of freeway and local traffic contributes to congestion and unpredictable driving behaviors with the potential to cause El Paso auto accidents.

Common forms of negligence that can lead to El Paso car accidents here include:

• Sudden maneuvers off the freeway: Aggressive lane changes or last-minute decisions to exit can lead to dangerous situations for both the exiting vehicle and those on the highway.
• Disregarding traffic signals and right-of-way: Misinterpreting signals, running red lights, or misjudging traffic flow can all lead to serious El Paso car crashes.
• Distracted driving: The mix of commercial areas, freeway signs, and potential congestion can easily divert attention away from the road, increasing the likelihood of El Paso auto accidents.

Types of El Paso motor vehicle collisions likely at I-10 & George Dieter Dr.:

• Sideswipes: Aggressive last-minute lane changes, especially when exiting or entering the highway, can easily result in sideswipe collisions.
• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops due to traffic congestion or confusion around exits are prime contributors to rear-end accidents at this type of interchange.
• Multi-vehicle accidents: An initial collision, especially at high speeds on the freeway, can quickly trigger a chain-reaction pileup involving several vehicles, significantly increasing the severity of an El Paso car accident.

Injuries sustained at this intersection can range from minor whiplash and cuts to life-threatening injuries. The potential for broken bones, internal injuries, and head trauma increases due to the involvement of high-speed freeway traffic.

1. I-10 & N. Yarbrough Dr.: El Paso’s Most Dangerous Intersection for Car Accidents

I-10 and N. Yarbrough Dr. hold the unfortunate record, with 77 car accidents reported in 2023. This Far East El Paso interchange sees a massive volume of traffic with complex merging patterns, earning it the top spot as the city’s most hazardous intersection.

Here’s what makes this Far East El Paso intersection a major hazard for El Paso car accidents:

• Extreme traffic volume: I-10 is a major interstate with consistent high-speed traffic. N. Yarbrough Dr. is also a busy thoroughfare, feeding even more vehicles into the interchange.
• Complex and confusing merges: The interchange involves multiple entry and exit ramps on both I-10 and N. Yarbrough Dr., forcing drivers to navigate frequent lane changes and heavy merging traffic.
• Potential for bottlenecks and congestion: The sheer number of vehicles funneling through this intersection, especially during peak hours, can lead to slowdowns, bottlenecks, and unpredictable traffic flow, increasing the risk of El Paso car crashes.

Common forms of negligence that increase the chances of El Paso car accidents here include:

• Excessive speed on the interstate: Drivers may maintain highway speeds even when approaching the congested interchange area, making safe merging and reacting to sudden traffic changes extremely difficult.
• Sudden lane changes and aggressive merging: Impatience in heavy traffic or trying to reach exits at the last minute can lead to risky lane changes or drivers forcing their way into traffic, causing El Paso car wrecks.
• Distracted driving: The number of lanes, exit signs, merging traffic, and surrounding commercial areas can be overwhelming, diverting driver attention and increasing the risk of misjudgments and El Paso car accidents.

This intersection experiences a range of accident types:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden traffic stops due to merging vehicles or congestion are a leading cause of rear-end accidents, especially when vehicles are traveling at high speeds.
• Sideswipes: Aggressive lane changes and merging without properly checking blind spots can easily cause sideswipes at this dangerous El Paso intersection.
• Multi-vehicle pileups: A single collision on the interstate or at the interchange can quickly escalate into a multi-vehicle chain reaction crash due to high volume and limited reaction time.

Injuries sustained at I-10 & N. Yarbrough Dr. can be extremely severe, potentially even fatal. The intersection’s high-speed traffic and complex layout increase the force of impact in El Paso car accidents. Common injuries include head trauma, severe whiplash, spinal injuries, internal damage, and broken bones.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help After a Car Accident in El Paso, Texas

If you’ve been injured in a car accident at one of El Paso’s dangerous intersections, a knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Here’s how:

• Investigating your case: An experienced lawyer will thoroughly investigate your El Paso car accident, gathering evidence, determining liability, and identifying all potential sources of compensation.
• Dealing with insurance companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts. A car accident lawyer will handle all communication on your behalf, protecting your rights and fighting for a fair settlement.
• Handling the legal complexities: Your lawyer will manage deadlines, paperwork, and complex legal processes, allowing you to focus on your recovery from the El Paso car crash.
• Representing you in court: If a fair settlement can’t be reached, your car accident lawyer will be prepared to take your case to trial, advocating for your best interests every step of the way.