10 Dangerous Intersections in Irving, Texas for Car Accidents

March 16, 2024

Irving, Texas, saw a staggering 2,080 car accidents at intersections in 2023. These crashes involved 4,314 vehicles and affected 5,787 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 Irving, Texas in 2023:

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

10. TX-183 & N. Story Rd.: Irving’s Traffic Trouble Spot

TX-183 & N. Story Road saw 23 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection sits in the heart of Irving, close to Crockett Middle School, Irving Mall, and the Hillcrest Oaks neighborhood. It’s a classic intersection with stoplights where a busy highway meets several multi-lane roads.

Why is this intersection so dangerous?

• Heavy Traffic: Expect lots of cars here – commuters, shoppers, and parents doing school drop-offs and pick-ups.
• Distractions: It’s easy to get distracted in this busy area, raising the risk of mistakes.

Common types of negligence at TX-183 & N. Story Road include:

• Running lights and stop signs: Drivers might be in a rush or misjudge the timing.
• Failing to yield: Turning traffic and merging cars can create problems here.
• Distracted Driving: The area’s activity level could lead to drivers not paying full attention.

These factors could lead to:

• T-bone crashes: These happen when a car runs a light or stop sign and hits another vehicle in the side.
• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops are common at intersections.
• Accidents with turning cars: Misjudging turns is easy with heavy traffic.
• Pedestrian or bike accidents: Be extra careful when school traffic is present.

9. TX-161 & N. MacArthur Blvd.: A High-Risk Irving Intersection

TX-161 & N. MacArthur Boulevard had 23 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection is located near Las Colinas Medical Center, making it a hub of activity with patients, medical staff, and general traffic. It’s a complex intersection with multiple lanes, turn lanes, and the potential for traffic to be merging onto high-speed TX-161.

Here’s why this intersection sees more accidents:

• Medical Traffic: Drivers in a rush due to medical situations can increase the risk.
• Traffic Congestion: The mix of patients, visitors, and general traffic can cause bottlenecks.
• Misjudging Speeds: Drivers unfamiliar with the area can have trouble judging traffic speeds on TX-161.

Common types of negligence here might include:

• Failure to yield to emergency vehicles: Ambulances rushing to or from the hospital need the right of way.
• Aggressive driving: trying to weave through congestion can make mistakes.

This combination could lead to:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops or slowing traffic are common near busy medical complexes.
• Sideswipes: Lane changes made in haste could lead to sideswipe accidents.
• Misjudging speed: drivers misjudge the speed of other vehicles when entering the highway or the space needed while entering TX-161 can be dangerous.

8. S. Belt Line Rd. & E. Rock Island Rd.: Navigating East Irving

S. Belt Line Rd. & E. Rock Island Rd. was the site of 25 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection is in a busy area near West Irving Station, the Sherwood Forest and Lamar Brown neighborhoods, Towne Lake Park, and West Park. It features a mix of commuters, people running errands, and drivers headed to the park.

What makes this intersection risky?

• High traffic volume: The area’s attractions bring a steady flow of cars to this spot.
• Varied driver types: Commuters, shoppers, and park-goers can make for unpredictable traffic patterns.
• Potential distractions: It’s easy to lose focus in a busy area with so much going on.

Common forms of negligence here could include:

• Speeding: Drivers might be in a hurry to get to their destination.
• Following too closely: Heavy traffic can lead to tailgating, raising the risk of rear-end accidents.
• Distractions: The mix of drivers and activity could lead to drivers not paying attention.

This environment can lead to these types of crashes:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops are common at busy intersections.
• Sideswipes: Lane changes or misjudging traffic can lead to cars bumping alongside each other.
• Crashes with turning vehicles: Misjudging turns with oncoming traffic can be dangerous.

7. TX-183 (E. Airport Fwy.) & Loop 12: Navigating the University of Dallas Area

TX-183 (E. Airport Fwy) & Loop 12 had 26 car accidents in 2023.

You’ve probably seen the giant “Welcome to Irving, Texas” billboard near this busy intersection:

This intersection is also near the University of Dallas, Kroger Park, and the Trinity River Greenbelt Park. You’ll find a mix of student traffic, shoppers, and people enjoying outdoor recreation here.

Why the higher accident risk at this intersection?

• Major construction: This interchange has been under continuous construction for years, making it risky to navigate at high speeds.
• Students on the move: Students rushing to class or distracted on their phones can make driving errors.
• Highway exits: Drivers exiting Loop 12 may misjudge the flow of traffic on TX-183.
• Speed differences: A mix of local traffic and faster-moving highway traffic can be a recipe for accidents.

Common negligent behaviors here include:

• Distracted driving: Students juggling schoolwork and driving can lose focus.
• Failure to yield: Exiting Loop 12 requires yielding to highway traffic, and mistakes can happen.
• Misjudging speeds: Drivers unfamiliar with the area might not adjust speed well to the mix of traffic.

This combination could lead to these types of crashes:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops or slowing traffic are common near busy areas.
• Sideswipes: Lane changes made without care might lead to sideswipe accidents.
• Crashes involving turning vehicles: Misjudging turn timing can have serious consequences.

6. TX-161 & Gateway Dr.: Near DFW Airport Activity

TX-161 & Gateway Dr. saw an alarming 28 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection is very close to DFW Airport, North Lake College, Hackberry Creek Country Club, and Las Colinas Village. This means you’ll find significant traffic related to both the airport and the surrounding area.

What makes this intersection so dangerous?

• Heavy airport traffic: This adds significantly to the overall volume of cars moving through this area.
• Complex layout: Many intersections near airports involve multiple lanes, dedicated access routes, and potentially confusing signage.
• Unfamiliar drivers: Many people navigating this area might not know the roads well, leading to mistakes.

Common forms of negligence could include:

• Misjudging merge distances: Drivers unfamiliar with the area might not gauge merging traffic well.
• Failing to yield to airport traffic: Cars rushing to the airport or leaving it might not yield right-of-way as they should.
• Driver distraction: Navigating a complex intersection near a hectic airport can be distracting.

This could lead to these dangerous situations:

• Sideswipes: Aggressive merging or last-minute lane changes could cause vehicles to sideswipe each other.
• Multi-car collisions: Misjudging merging distances can lead to chain reaction crashes in heavy traffic.
• Rear-end crashes: Sudden stops are common near busy airport areas.

5. TX-161 & N. Belt Line Rd.: DFW Airport & Neighborhood Traffic

TX-161 & N. Belt Line Rd. was the site of 33 car accidents in 2023. This intersection is another high-traffic area near DFW Airport. It also borders several areas including the Broadmoor Hills Neighborhood, the Four Seasons Resort and Club, and North Lake College.

Why is this Irving intersection so dangerous?

• Traffic mix: You’ll find a mixture of highway traffic, airport traffic, commuter traffic, and local residents driving here.
• Confusion Factor: A high-traffic area with multiple lanes and directions can be confusing for drivers.
• Airport time pressure: Drivers trying to get to the airport might rush and make bad decisions.

Common types of negligence here might include:

• Confusion at a major intersection: Drivers unfamiliar with the area might make mistakes due to the complexity.
• Failure to yield to airport traffic: Cars rushing to or from DFW Airport may not yield the right of way as needed.
• Aggressive driving: Drivers in a hurry might change lanes recklessly or speed when stressed by flight schedules.

This creates the potential for:

• Multi-car pileups: A single mistake in heavy traffic can easily involve several vehicles.
• T-bone crashes: Misjudging turns or running red lights can lead to serious side-impact collisions.
• Sideswipes: Reckless lane changes are a risk when drivers are rushed or frustrated.

4. TX-114 & TX-161: DFW Airport & Surrounding Neighborhoods

TX-114 & TX-161 (President George Bush Turnpike) had 33 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection is a major interchange where two busy highways meet. It’s close to DFW Airport, the Freeport/Hackberry Neighborhood, Las Colinas Medical Center, and Las Colinas Village. This likely means multiple entry and exit ramps, merging traffic, and vehicles traveling at high speeds.

Why is this an accident hot spot?

• Merging errors: Drivers can easily misjudge other cars when merging onto a fast-moving highway.
• Dangerous lane changes: Improper lane changes are a risk in heavy, fast-moving traffic.
• Misjudging speeds: It’s easy for drivers to underestimate the speed of highway traffic.

Potential negligence in this area might include:

• Failure to yield when merging: Drivers entering highway traffic have to yield, but mistakes happen.
• Improper lane changes: Aggressive or careless lane changes are especially dangerous at high speeds.
• Misjudging traffic speeds: This can lead to merging errors or mistimed turns.

These factors can create the following dangerous situations:

• Sideswipes: Aggressive lane changes or misjudging distances can lead to vehicles scraping sides.
• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops or slowing traffic are hazards on any busy highway.
• Chain-reaction accidents: Misjudging merges or changing lanes improperly can trigger multi-vehicle crashes.

3. I-635 (Lyndon B. Johnson Fwy.) & N. MacArthur Blvd.: Irving and DFW Airport Traffic

I-635 & N. MacArthur Blvd. had a concerning 36 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection is busy, close to DFW Airport, MacArthur Park, several neighborhoods (Freeport/Hackberry, North Lake Park, Sam Houston Park), and has multiple lanes. It’s a classic freeway interchange where high-speed traffic meets normal city streets, with entrance/exit ramps and merging traffic.

Why is this an Irving danger zone?

• Aggressive freeway driving: Drivers on I-635 might speed or change lanes recklessly.
• Dangerous merges: Merging onto freeway traffic is always a risk point for accidents.
• Sudden stops: Freeway traffic can slow down unexpectedly, causing pileups.

Common negligent behaviors here include:

• Aggressive driving on I-635: Speeding or weaving through traffic can cause serious freeway accidents.
• Improper lane changes: Careless merging is a major risk on busy freeways.
• Misjudging speeds when entering the freeway: This can lead to merging errors and dangerous collisions.

These factors can cause several types of crashes:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops or slowing traffic are particularly dangerous on a freeway.
• Sideswipes: Aggressive lane changes can cause sideswipe accidents with cars traveling at high speeds.
• Chain reaction crashes: A single mistake on I-635 can involve many cars in a major pileup.

2. TX-183 (W. Airport Fwy.) & N. MacArthur Blvd.: A Central Irving Hub

TX-183 & N. MacArthur Blvd. had a staggering 42 car accidents in 2023.

This is a major intersection close to Baylor Medical Center of Irving, the Irving Hospital District, and Irving High School. You’ll find a mix of patients, medical staff, students, and general Irving traffic here.

Why are accidents so common at this intersection?

• Heavy traffic: Expect lots of cars, especially during peak commuting and school hours.
• Medical rush: Drivers heading to or from medical appointments might be in a hurry and make mistakes.
• Distractions: The mix of drivers and activity level could lead to drivers not paying enough attention.

Common forms of negligence might include:

• Running red lights: Drivers in a hurry might risk running lights to get where they need to go.
• Failing to yield to medical traffic: Ambulances and emergency vehicles need the right of way.
• Distracted driving: Medical concerns, student activity, and general traffic can distract a driver.

This environment can lead to these types of crashes:

• T-bone crashes: These happen when a car runs a light and hits another in the side.
• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops or slowing traffic are common near busy areas.
• Crashes with turning cars: Misjudging turn timing can have serious consequences, especially with rushed drivers.
• Pedestrian or bike accidents: Be extra careful when school traffic is present.

1. TX-183 (W. Airport Fwy.) & Esters Rd.: Irving’s Most Dangerous Intersection

TX-183 & Esters Rd. had an alarming 44 car accidents in 2023.

This intersection is particularly dangerous as it sits near another high-volume intersection (TX-161 & TX-183). Additionally, it’s close to the Villas at Town Lake neighborhood, High Point Estates neighborhood, and Irving Mall.

Why is this intersection so risky?

• Complex traffic patterns: The proximity to another busy intersection adds to the volume and complexity of traffic flow.
• Shopping traffic: Cars entering and leaving the mall area add to the traffic burden.
• Potential for aggressive driving: Drivers in a rush could become frustrated and make mistakes.

Common negligence at TX-183 & Esters Rd. might involve:

• Running red lights or stop signs: Impatient drivers might try to beat a changing light.
• Speeding: Drivers might speed to get through a complex intersection or get where they’re going quickly.
• Failing to navigate the intersection safely: The complexity could lead to turning errors and other reckless behavior.

These dangerous conditions can lead to:

• Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops and heavy traffic make these common.
• Sideswipes: Merging errors and improper lane changes are a risk.
• Multi-car pileups: A single mistake can trigger a dangerous chain reaction.
• Any type of accident is possible: This is truly Irving’s most dangerous traffic spot.

How a Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Injuries from a car accident at any of these Irving intersections (or elsewhere in the city) can be life-changing. A qualified car accident lawyer can help you understand your options and walk you through the legal process.

Here’s what they can do:

• Handle insurance companies: Insurance companies aim to minimize their payouts. A lawyer will fight for the fair compensation you deserve.
• Investigate the accident: Determining fault is crucial. Your lawyer can investigate to build a strong case on your behalf.
• Maximize your compensation: Lawyers understand the full scope of damages you might be entitled to, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.