Table of Contents

The Silent Killer — Car Accidents in Intersections

Every day, countless drivers roll through intersections, barely registering the risks they take with each green light or quick turn. But car accidents in intersections are among the most deadly and common types of collisions on U.S. roads. From distracted drivers to poor visibility, the danger lurks where roads cross paths — and the data is alarming.

This dives deep into the leading causes of intersection accidents, intersection collision statistics, and how age and time of day play a huge role in the odds of being in a crash. If you’ve ever wondered when do most accidents happen, or what the chances of being in a car crash really are, read on — and be prepared to rethink how you drive.

The Reality of Car Accidents in Intersections

Why Are Intersections So Dangerous?

An intersection accident occurs where two or more roads meet. These areas demand rapid decision-making, visibility awareness, and mutual trust among drivers. Unfortunately, not all drivers deliver.

Leading Cause of Intersection Accidents

The leading cause of intersection accidents is driver error, accounting for over 90% of cases. The top specific factors include:

Failure to yield right of way
Misjudging another driver’s speed
Running red lights or stop signs
Distracted driving (texting, eating, GPS usage)
Making improper turns

Common Types of Intersection Collisions

T-bone crashes: Often result from red-light violations
Rear-end collisions: Due to sudden stops or tailgating
Sideswipes: Happen during improper merging or turning
Head-on collisions: Rare, but often fatal

When and Where Do Most Car Accidents Happen?

What Time of Day Do Most Crashes Occur?

Most traffic accidents occur between 3 PM and 6 PM, during the evening rush hour. This time combines:

High traffic volumes
Fatigue after a long workday
Increased distractions (e.g., kids, phone calls)

When Do Most Accidents Occur?

According to NHTSA data:

Weekends, especially Saturdays, have higher crash rates
Summer months see a spike due to road trips and teen drivers

What Percentage of Collisions Occur at Intersections?

A shocking 40% of all motor vehicle accidents occur at intersections, and over 50% of fatal crashes involving older drivers happen in intersections.

Where Do Accidents Happen Most?

Urban intersections: High density and constant movement increase risks
Left-turn lanes: One of the most hazardous places to be
Four-way stops and traffic lights: Miscommunication or non-compliance cause chaos

Age and Car Accident Statistics

How Many Car Accidents Does the Average Person Have?

The average driver will be involved in 3 to 4 car accidents in their lifetime.

What Percentage of People Get in Car Accidents?

Studies show around 77% of drivers will experience at least one car accident.

Odds of a Car Crash

Your odds of being in a car crash in a given year are approximately 1 in 366, according to data from insurance industry statistics.

Who Gets in the Most Car Accidents?

What Age Group Gets in the Most Car Accidents?

16 to 19-year-olds have the highest crash rate of any age group.
In fact, 25% of 16-year-olds will get into a crash in their first year of driving.

What Age Causes the Most Car Accidents?

Teen drivers cause a disproportionate number of crashes due to:
- Inexperience
- Risk-taking behavior
- Distractions (phones, passengers)

Crash Statistics by Age

Age Group	Crash Rate per 100,000 Drivers
16-19	3,200
20-24	2,300
25-34	1,800
35-44	1,400
45-54	1,200
55-64	1,100
65-74	950
75+	1,500

Note: Elderly drivers often have fewer accidents but higher fatality rates due to frailty.

Elderly Driving Statistics

Senior drivers are involved in 14% of all traffic fatalities
Of all fatal crashes involving older drivers, more than 50% occur at intersections
Slower reaction times and medical conditions increase risks

National Crash Frequency and City Trends

How Many Crashes Happen Per Day?

There are more than 16,000 car crashes per day in the U.S. alone, translating to nearly 6 million annually.

In the City, Most Collisions Happen…

…at intersections, especially in:

Downtown grids
Busy commercial districts
High-speed boulevards with multiple lanes

Car Accident Questions and Answers (Q&A Section)

Q1: What time of day do most car accidents happen?

A: Between 3 PM and 6 PM, during the afternoon rush hour.

Q2: What percentage of collisions occur at intersections?

A: Around 40% of all car crashes occur at intersections.

Q3: What are the odds of being in a car crash in your lifetime?

A: Very high — 77% of people will be involved in a crash at some point.

Q4: Which age group causes the most car accidents?

A: Drivers aged 16-19 have the highest accident rates.

Q5: Are older drivers more likely to cause fatal accidents?

A: Yes. Although they drive less, older adults (75+) have higher fatality rates in accidents, especially at intersections.

Q6: How many accidents does the average person have?

A: Between 3 and 4 crashes over a lifetime.

Q7: When do most fatal car crashes occur?

A: Weekends and evenings, particularly Friday and Saturday nights.

Q8: Where do most car crashes happen?

A: Urban intersections, where driver errors and misjudgments are common.

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Safety

Knowing when and where car crashes at intersections are most likely can be lifesaving. Whether you’re a new driver or a senior behind the wheel, stay alert during peak accident hours, slow down at intersections, and be aware of your own limitations. If you or a loved one has been in an intersection accident, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced accident attorney.

At Houlon Berman, we fight for victims of negligence — including those hurt in intersection collisions. Contact us today for a free consultation and find out how we can help protect your rights after a crash.

Read More about Car Accident Lawyer :