Lowell, Massachusetts has the dubious distinction of being home to the most dangerous intersection in the state…and the second most dangerous. According to data from Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), more collisions occurred at the intersection of Veterans of Foreign Wars Highway and Bridge Street in Lowell than at any other in the state: 136 crashes, with 37 resulting in injury or death. The corner of Appleton Street and Central Street took second place, with 94 total collisions and 34 causing injury or fatality.
Other Lowell intersections ranking among the 200 most dangerous in the state include:
In fact, Lowell has more intersections in the top 200 than Boston.
An earlier report, based on data from crashes between 2008 and 2010, put 12 Lowell intersections in the top 200. While there are several new appearances on the list and many have dropped off, the four intersections bolded in the above list were ranked among the 200 most dangerous in both studies.
There are, of course, reasons that some intersections are more dangerous than others. The likelihood of a traffic crash at a particular intersection can be impacted by a number of factors, including:
However, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 96% of intersection crashes are attributable to driver error. That’s slightly higher than the percentage of non-intersection traffic accidents attributed to drivers. More than half of intersection traffic accidents occur at intersections with traffic signals such as a stop light, and more than 30% where there is a stop sign on at least one of the cross streets. And, more than 78% took place in clear weather conditions.
In more than half of the intersection crashes studied, the critical reason for the crash was classified as a “recognition error.” Recognition errors include:
Since intersection collisions make up about 40% of all traffic accidents, the number of motor vehicle crashes in Massachusetts and elsewhere could be significantly reduced if we were all more attentive at intersections.
Other driver errors that contribute to intersection crashes include:
Of course, the number one objective is to avoid collisions, at intersections and elsewhere. Avoiding distraction and carefully assessing your surroundings is critical anywhere on the road, and especially at intersections.
If you’ve been involved in an accident at a Massachusetts intersection, it’s important to know that the driver errors described above often constitute negligence. In other words, if you’ve been injured in an accident because another driver was inattentive at an intersection, disregarded a traffic signal, or was otherwise negligent, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, repairs to your vehicle, and other damages.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Lowell
Car Accident Lawyers in Lowell
Kevin is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts and New Hampshire and focuses on cases involving personal injury and motor-vehicle accidents. He provides personalized representation to his clients and understands that victims deserve affordable, experienced, and aggressive legal representation.As a lifelong resident of Massachusetts, Kevin has served on numerous community boards and commissions. Prior to serving a term as Vice–Mayor on the Lowell City Council, Attorney Broderick held a seat as a city councilman and served as a member of the City’s Planning Board and Historical Board for nine years. When Kevin is not fighting for his clients, he can be found coaching youth sports.Litigation Percentage:70% of practice devoted to litigationBar Admissions:State of Massachusetts, 1994State of New Hampshire, 1995U.S. District Court, District of MassachusettsProfessional Associations and Memberships:MBA, Member 2004-presentGLBA, Member 1994-present... View full business profile here: Kevin Broderick
