Syracuse, N.Y., is home to over 144,000 people, making it the fifth-largest city in the state. Syracuse, compared to other large U.S. cities, may have less overall traffic due to its less dense urban environment, but its dangerous intersections continue to be the site of many accidents each year.

Knowing where Syracuse’s most dangerous intersections are located can help you drive more safely. If you are involved in a car crash in Syracuse or the surrounding areas, contact the New York car accident lawyers at Catalano Law. We will provide you with legal guidance, review the facts of your accident, and work tirelessly to obtain the compensation you deserve.

What Are the Dangers of Driving in a High-Risk Intersection?

In 2020, there were 38,824 traffic fatalities at intersections in the U.S., including accidents involving cars, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The following hazards often cause this:

• Heavy traffic: High volumes of vehicles at intersections, especially during peak hours, increase the likelihood of collisions and traffic jams.

• Inadequate signage and confusing signals: Unclear or missing signs can confuse drivers on the right-of-way rules or speed limits. Poorly timed or difficult-to-see signals can also confuse drivers, leading to more accidents.

• Poor visibility: Obstructions such as buildings, trees, poorly lit areas, or reduced visibility due to daylight savings time can prevent drivers from seeing other vehicles, pedestrians, or traffic signals at intersections.

• Design flaws: Intersections with poorly designed traffic flow, confusing lane markings, or inadequate turn lanes can lead to dangerous situations. For example, in 2020, 895 pedestrians died at intersections in the U.S. that did not have appropriate signals.

The 3 Most Dangerous Intersections in Syracuse

Knowing the most hazardous intersections is crucial for residents and regular commuters in Syracuse. Exercise increased caution at these three intersections known to be hotspots for accidents:

1: James Street (State Route 290) and Grant Boulevard

James Street is one of the major thoroughfares in Syracuse, forming part of State Route 290. It crosses Grant Blvd. at two points in the Eastwood neighborhood, forming a triangular intersection.

While traffic lights regulate the intersection, no crosswalks or bike lanes make crossing dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists during rush hour. The triangular configuration also has lower visibility than traditional cross-shaped intersections.

During specific times, like nighttime, the likelihood of severe side impacts and T-bone crashes escalates. For instance, in September 2021 at 0:45 a.m., a tragic incident with a single vehicle led to two fatalities, highlighting the dangers present during these hours.

2: W. Fayette Street and S. West Street

This intersection is found at the western edge of downtown Syracuse. The north-south axis is a three-lane, one-way section of West Street, just south of the Erie Boulevard bridge. The east-west axis is Fayette Street, featuring four lanes connecting Westside to Downtown.

The one-way nature of the north-south segment and the proximity to downtown and a major boulevard frequently drive heavy traffic through this intersection. Periods of heavy traffic typically begin around 7 a.m. and can persist until 8 p.m., during which the risk of a multi-vehicle accident increases.

In March 2021, at 7:48 a.m., an accident involving eight vehicles led to a fatality. This incident contributes to the reputation of this location as one of the most congested and hazardous intersections in Syracuse.

3: Harrison St. and U.S. Highway 11

You can find this intersection in Downtown Syracuse between some of the city’s most well-known landmarks: the Oncenter Convention Center, the Everson Museum of Art, and the Upstate Medical Arena.

The presence of a highway, the intersection’s central location in the city, and the proximity of multiple bus stops and parking lots make it one of Syracuse’s busiest areas. Traffic should be expected at nearly all hours and can include numerous types of vehicles, including cars, light trucks, buses, 18-wheelers, and other commercial vehicles.

Weather conditions, such as rain, can exacerbate the risk of a collision and increase their severity. For instance, in November 2021, a collision was reported at 5 p.m. at the height of rush hour. A vehicle was involved in a crash with a pedestrian, resulting in one fatality. The crash report indicated the weather and visibility conditions were dark and rainy.

Get Legal Help After a Traffic Accident

Whether you are a driver, a cyclist, or a pedestrian in Syracuse, being involved in a traffic accident due to another driver’s recklessness or negligence can be devastating.

The experienced and compassionate auto accident lawyers at Catalano Law are here for you. We have over 50 years and 12,000 cases worth of combined experience with a 95% success rate. Let Catalano Law represent you; contact us today for a free consultation.