Updated November 20, 2024 by Jonathon Douglas
Denver is home to some of the most dangerous intersections in all of Colorado, including I-25, which is one of the most dangerous roads in the entire state.
Denver also has Colfax Avenue, which the Colorado Department of Transportation deems the most dangerous road in Denver.
In this article we will discuss what intersections and roads in Denver pose the greatest dangers, what makes them so dangerous, and tips for avoiding accidents at those locations.
Statistics on Dangerous Intersections in Denver
Denver is one of the fastest growing cities in America over the past decade. Over 115,000 new residents started calling Denver home between 2010 and 2020.
In 2023, Colorado had nearly 720 car accident fatalities, which is 50% higher than the number of fatal accidents ten years ago.
This means the steadily increasing population in Denver is contributing to car accident fatalities. It’s not just motorists who are getting hurt, though. Denver drivers, bikers, pedestrians alike are all increasingly involved in more accidents and getting injured.
What’s more, there are some particularly problematic areas in Denver that have higher than average car accident rates. Here are some numbers that reflect car accident rates in Denver:
- The majority of car accidents, especially at dangerous intersections, involve two or more moving cars (67.8%)
- 1.3% of crashes involve a pedestrian or animal
- And nearly all (about 90%) of crashes are preventable.
The Most Dangerous Roads in Denver: I-25 and I-70
Amongst the most dangerous roads in Denver are I-25 and I-70; several accidents happen on both interstates every day. I-70 runs east and goes through the city of Denver. In 2020, there were nearly 134 car accident fatalities that occurred on I-70.
I-25 in Denver is scientifically proven to be one of the highest risk threats to drivers for several reasons: overcrowded lanes and frustrated drivers. A local news station in Denver studied police records of accident reports on I-25 and found that the section of I-25 between Santa Fe and I-70 is the deadliest section for drivers. That section has the highest number of interstate crashes in all of Colorado.
If you take the I-25 through Denver, drive cautiously and remember that it’s one of the most dangerous interstates in Colorado. Don’t end up being one of the thousands of car accident injury victims on I-25 every year.
Why Is Denver’s I-25 So Dangerous?
Denver police reports reflect 973 accidents on I-25 between Santa Fe and I-70 in just one year. That equates to about 2-3 accidents a day, which can increase traffic congestion and increase risk of other accidents. The main factors that make this particular stretch of I-25 so dangerous include:
- High traffic volumes
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
The speed limit on I-25 alternates between 65 and 75, and many believe 75 for this portion of the highway is too fast.
How To Stay Safe on I-25
Here are some tips for increasing safety if you are one of the many drivers who must travel on I-25:
- Put distractions away, especially your cell phone
- Don’t use your phone or other distractions during rush hour(when there’s a lot of stop and go traffic) or slow traffic. Accidents still happen during these times.
- Follow the posted speed limit
- Stay in the right lane to increase your safety
- Always stay focused on the road, and be defensive (be prepared to brake at any given time)
The Most Dangerous Intersections in Denver
The Denver Police Department has announced the top 10 hazardous intersections in the city. These intersections are also where most of the accidents occur. The DPD list shows that most of these intersections are not newly problematic; but rather, they’ve been consistently problematic areas for a while now.
From the Denver Police Department, the top ten most dangerous intersections most to least dangerous are as follows:
1. Colorado Boulevard and East Colfax Avenue
2. West Mississippi Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive
3. West Mississippi Avenue and South Platte River Drive
4. North Tower Road and East 56th Avenue
5. Colorado Boulevard and East 40th Avenue
6. West Alameda Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive
7. South Quebec Street and East Alameda Avenue
8. Park Avenue West and North Globeville Road
9. West Colfax Avenue and Kalamath Street
10. Colorado Boulevard and East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard
East Colfax and Colorado Boulevard was known as a very troublesome area in 2021, with the most accidents occuring there than any other intersection. There were 44 accidents there in 2021 (East Colfax and Colorado Boulevard).
Where Are the Most Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians?
Some areas are known for heavy traffic congestion and higher motor vehicle accident rates. But there are some designated intersections that are known to be particularly dangerous for pedestrians. The top five dangerous intersections that contribute to pedestrian accidents in Denver include:
- South University Boulevard and East Asbury Avenue
- Blake Street and 20th Street
- North Broadway and East 13th Avenue
- North Lincoln and East Colfax
- Market and 20th
While most pedestrian accidents and fatalities occur on roadways with no intersections, the NHTSA still reports about 17-20% occur at intersections. Even with proper signals, right of way protections, and signage for pedestrians, accidents can still happen. Intersection accidents between motorists and pedestrians often occur when they cross paths and the motorist fails to yield. Other reasons for pedestrian accidents at intersections include:
- When a driver turns right or left while a pedestrians is crossing
- A driver who continues through the intersection while a pedestrian is crossing
- A driver failing to follow traffic signals or signs
- Other forms of driver negligence
Most Common Causes of Intersection Accidents in Denver
Careless driving is the top cause of car accidents in Denver. After that, most accidents are caused by lane violations, failing to yield, following too close, and speeding. In addition to these top causes, here are some other causes of intersection accidents in Denver:
- Inexperienced drivers
- Aggressive driving
- Drunk driving
- Congested roadways due to influx of visitors at certain times of the year
- Snow, ice, sleet, and other inclement weather
- Inexperienced driving on frozen terrain
What Should I Do After a Denver Intersection Accident?
The aftermath of a car accident is stressful but it’s a crucial time to get a few things in order. Rather than panicking, contact a knowledgeable Denver car accident attorney who can advise you on the best way to proceed. You’ll need to take certain steps to protect your rights and ensure you can get fair compensation for your damages.
An attorney will help you preserve evidence for your case and advise you to do the following:
- Get medical attention as soon as possible after the accident
- Contact law enforcement to file an official police report
- Get contact information from any nearby witnesses
- Document all forms of damage that results from the accident (including property damage and your injuries)
Do I Have Rights if I’m Hurt in a Dangerous Intersection in Denver?
Colorado’s traffic laws apply regardless of where or how you got into an accident. So if you were injured in an accident at a dangerous intersection, you can seek compensation for your injuries. If your accident was caused by a negligent driver, we recommend speaking to an experienced Denver intersection accident attorney.
An attorney can help you recover compensation from the at-fault party and ensure you take the correct steps to building a strong case. That includes conducting a thorough investigation, gathering evidence, proving liability, and communications with insurance companies. They may also be able to negotiate a better settlement on your behalf from the insurance company to recover for medical expenses, property damage, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
Contact Our Denver Car Accident Attorneys
If you were injured in a dangerous intersection accident in Denver, give us a call to explore a claim.
We offer a free initial case review so contact us today to see how we can help with your case.
Making a Difference in the Lives of the People of Denver
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident, we are here to help. As Denver Personal Injury Lawyers, you are our priority, we listen to your needs and provide individual attention from start to finish. Through persistence, experience, and legal expertise, we handle the insurance companies and medical providers so that you can focus on recovering.
For more information please contact us at Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® to schedule a free consultation with an attorney today. We have five convenient locations in Denver and its surrounding areas to better serve you.
Denver Personal Injury Lawyers®
1001 Bannock St #8
Denver, CO 80204
(720) 500-4878
Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® | Arvada Office
5610 Ward Rd #300
Arvada, CO 80002
(720) 500-4878
Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® | Aurora Office
3190 S Vaughn Way St #550
Aurora, CO 80014
(720) 500-4878
Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® | Centennial Office
9200 E Mineral Ave #100
Centennial, CO 80112
(720) 500-4878
Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® | Lakewood Office
355 S Teller St #200
Lakewood, CO 80226
(720) 500-4878
