Oregon Intersections

Oregon’s scenic highways, bustling cities, and rugged coastal roads can create a false sense of security for drivers. From Portland’s urban grid to winding rural corridors, routine trips can become dangerous in seconds. Between 2018 and 2024, certain intersections and stretches of highway consistently recorded the highest numbers of fatal and serious-injury crashes.

Urban congestion, particularly in Portland and Eugene, combines with aggressive driving behaviors to create high-risk conditions during rush hours. Rural and coastal routes see seasonal spikes in traffic from tourists, many of whom are unfamiliar with narrow lanes, sharp curves, or changing weather conditions. Expanding bike lanes, pedestrian zones, and other sustainable transportation measures, while beneficial for the community, add new interactions between vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, making careful design and awareness essential to prevent accidents.

Local Factors Driving Crash Risks in Oregon

Oregon’s diverse geography, growing population, and evolving transportation patterns combine to create unique risks for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. Urban congestion, rural highways, wet weather, and increasing commercial and ride-share traffic all contribute to dangerous conditions across the state. Aging infrastructure in cities and limited maintenance in smaller municipalities further exacerbate the problem, making awareness and caution essential for anyone on Oregon roads.

Oregon Crash Trends at a Glance

• Traffic fatalities are disproportionately high on rural highways, with over 60% of fatal crashes occurring outside urban centers.
• Wet and rainy conditions, common from October through April, increase the likelihood of fatal crashes by 1.5 times compared to dry roads.
• Urban areas like Portland see rising pedestrian fatalities, with a 12% increase in Multnomah County from 2018 to 2022. These are often linked to outdated traffic signals and insufficient crossings.
• Highway collisions with wildlife, particularly during fall migration, add a seasonal risk spike on roads such as OR-22 and OR-126.
• Congestion from ride-sharing, delivery services, and growing vehicle volumes contributes to rear-end and sideswipe collisions, especially in commercial districts.

Oregon’s 10 Deadliest Intersections

1.    NE Sandy Blvd & 82nd Ave – Portland

The NE Sandy Blvd and 82nd Ave intersection is one of Portland’s most complex urban junctions. From 2018 to 2022, it saw 14 fatal crashes resulting in 15 lives lost. High congestion during rush hours, poorly timed signals, and multiple turning lanes create a dangerous mix for drivers and pedestrians alike. Local businesses and transit stops increase foot traffic, often conflicting with impatient or aggressive drivers. Rear-end and angle collisions are the most common crash types. Narrow lanes, high pedestrian activity, and frequent signal violations contribute to repeated accidents. Community and traffic authorities continue to monitor the area, but crash rates remain elevated despite enforcement efforts.

2.    SE Powell Blvd & 122nd Ave – Portland

SE Powell Blvd at 122nd Ave recorded 12 fatal crashes and 13 fatalities from 2018 to 2022. This high-volume intersection handles both commuter and freight traffic, making lane changes and left turns particularly hazardous. Inadequate lighting and limited nighttime visibility worsen the risk, while nearby schools and shopping centers increase pedestrian exposure. Angle crashes and rear-end collisions dominate here. Drivers unfamiliar with the intersection often misjudge gaps, and stop-and-go congestion further amplifies the danger.

3.    Barbur Blvd & Capitol Hwy – Southwest Portland

Barbur Blvd and Capitol Hwy. are major arterials connecting urban and suburban areas. Between 2018 and 2022, it experienced 10 fatal crashes with 11 lives lost. High-speed approaches, short signal phases, and a mix of commuter and local traffic make this a challenging corridor. Rear-end collisions and side-impact crashes occur frequently, especially during peak hours. Limited pedestrian infrastructure adds risk for cyclists and walkers in the area.

4.    Hwy 99 & OR-224 (Clackamas) – Clackamas County

The rural-urban transition zone at Hwy 99 and OR-224 has seen 11 fatal crashes resulting in 12 deaths from 2018 to 2022. Heavy truck traffic, complex signal timing, and speeding contribute to frequent collisions. Industrial park shift changes exacerbate congestion and lane conflicts. Authorities have proposed safety improvements, but limited funding has slowed implementation. Rear-end and angle collisions remain the most common crash types.

5.    NE Glisan St & NE 42nd Ave – Portland

NE Glisan St at 42nd Ave, a dense residential area, recorded nine fatal crashes with 10 lives lost from 2018 to 2022. Narrow lanes, double parking, and heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic reduce visibility and increase the likelihood of collisions. Angle crashes and side-impact accidents dominate. Community groups advocate for improved crossings and lighting, but progress has been gradual.

6.    Main St & 1st Ave – Medford

From 2018 to 2022, Main St and 1st Ave in downtown Medford saw eight fatal crashes, causing eight deaths. Tourism and high pedestrian traffic near parks and arts districts increase exposure. Red-light running and sudden stops contribute to rear-end and pedestrian collisions. Proposed intersection redesigns aim to improve safety, but implementation has been delayed.

7.    Hwy 20 & NW 9th Ave – Lincoln City

From 2018 to 2022, Hwy 20 at NW 9th Ave, a coastal highway segment, recorded seven fatal crashes, with seven lives lost. Wet weather, summer tourism, and speeding make this corridor particularly hazardous. Sudden stops, RV and bicycle traffic, and narrow lanes contribute to rear-end and angle crashes. Seasonal spikes increase the risk of multi-vehicle collisions.

8.    OR-126 & NW Thurston Rd – Eugene

OR-126 at NW Thurston Rd recorded nine fatal crashes resulting in 9 deaths from 2018 to 2022. High commuter volumes, adjacent retail centers, and residential streets create a complex traffic environment. Rear-end collisions and angle crashes are common, often linked to distracted driving and inconsistent signal timing. Local campaigns focus on driver awareness and improved signage.

9.    Hwy 30 & NW Yeon Ave – Portland

Hwy 30 at NW Yeon Ave, near Portland’s industrial waterfront, experienced six fatal crashes with six deaths from 2018 to 2022. High commercial vehicle usage and frequent pedestrian crossings increase collision risk. Rear-end and pedestrian accidents dominate. Sidewalk constraints and poorly marked crosswalks exacerbate hazards, though waterfront redevelopment plans aim to improve safety.

10.         SE Division St & 148th Ave – Gresham

SE Division St at 148th Ave, a busy suburban arterial, recorded eight fatal crashes causing eight deaths from 2018 to 2022. Multiple lanes and fast-moving traffic create dangerous conditions for turning vehicles and pedestrians. Left-turn crashes and failure-to-yield incidents are frequent. Parks and community centers nearby contribute to pedestrian activity, adding another layer of risk.

Oregon’s 10 Most Hazardous Road Stretches

1.    I-5: Salem to Wilsonville

The stretch of I-5 between Salem and Wilsonville experiences some of Oregon’s highest traffic volumes and crash rates. From 2018 to 2022, it saw 22 fatalities and numerous serious accidents, with a crash rate of 4.7 per mile. Heavy commuter and freight traffic, frequent lane changes, and bottlenecks create a high-risk environment. Rain and fog amplify hazards in this corridor by reducing visibility and traction. Ongoing widening projects aim to ease congestion, but until completion, rear-end and sideswipe collisions remain frequent.

2.    Hwy 101: Newport to Lincoln City

The coastal segment of Hwy 101 from Newport to Lincoln City recorded 15 fatalities between 2018 and 2022, with a crash rate of 3.8 per mile. Sharp curves, wildlife crossings, and heavy tourist traffic unfamiliar with local roads make this stretch especially hazardous. Seasonal RV traffic and frequent wet conditions increase the risk of rear-end and single-vehicle run-off crashes. Local authorities caution drivers to reduce speed and remain vigilant.

3.    OR-22: Salem to Detroit Lake

OR-22, connecting Salem to Detroit Lake, saw 14 fatalities from 2018 to 2022, with a crash rate of 3.5 per mile. This rural highway features narrow shoulders and steep grades, contributing to frequent run-off-road accidents and rockslide hazards during the rainy season. Limited cell coverage can delay emergency response, making crashes particularly dangerous. Drivers are urged to maintain safe speeds and heed warning signs along the corridor.

4.    I-84: Hood River to The Dalles

I-84 between Hood River and The Dalles recorded 16 fatalities between 2018 and 2022, with a crash rate of 3.9 per mile. Mountainous terrain, high truck volumes, and variable weather produce slick roads and poor visibility. Curves, elevation changes, and sudden lane merges challenge inexperienced drivers. Multi-vehicle collisions and rear-end crashes are common, particularly during foggy or rainy conditions.

5.    Hwy 99E: Oregon City to Woodburn

The corridor along Hwy 99E between Oregon City and Woodburn recorded 12 fatalities from 2018 to 2022, with a crash rate of 3.3 per mile. A mix of urban and rural traffic, multiple signalized intersections, and heavy freight movement create constant risk. Rapid suburban development has increased congestion and turning conflicts, contributing to angle and rear-end collisions along the route.

6.    OR-126: Eugene to Veneta

OR-126, connecting Eugene and Veneta, saw 10 fatalities from 2018 to 2022, with a crash rate of 2.9 per mile. Narrow lanes and frequent school zones require drivers to remain alert, especially during peak hours. Rear-end and pedestrian-related crashes are common. Local efforts focus on improving pedestrian infrastructure and signal timing to reduce accidents.

7.    Hwy 26: Portland to Sandy

Hwy 26 between Portland and Sandy recorded 11 fatalities from 2018 to 2022, with a crash rate of 3.1 per mile. Winding, mountainous terrain combined with tourist traffic, fog, and occasional wildlife crossings increases crash risk.
 Limited shoulder space makes emergency maneuvers difficult, contributing to rear-end and run-off-road collisions. Drivers are advised to reduce speed in adverse conditions.

8.    I-205: Vancouver, WA to Oregon City

The I-205 corridor between Vancouver, WA, and Oregon City experienced 14 fatalities from 2018 to 2022, with a crash rate of 3.7 per mile. Frequent merging and lane changes in this busy commuter corridor contribute to rear-end and sideswipe collisions. Intermittent construction reduces lane availability, increasing bottlenecks and the likelihood of multi-vehicle crashes.

9.    OR-99W: McMinnville to Newberg

OR-99W, running from McMinnville to Newberg, recorded nine fatalities from 2018 to 2022, with a crash rate of 2.8 per mile. Rural conditions, high agricultural vehicle presence, and limited lighting at night create dangerous driving conditions. Increased commuter traffic strains outdated infrastructure, contributing to rear-end and run-off-road crashes. Drivers should remain alert to slow-moving vehicles and narrow lanes.

10.        Hwy 20: Corvallis to Toledo

From 2018 to 2022, Hwy 20 between Corvallis and Toledo saw eight fatalities, with a crash rate of 2.7 per mile. Winding roads, forested areas, deer crossings, and seasonal fog increase the likelihood of collisions. Local agencies have implemented wildlife crossings and speed enforcement to reduce risks, but drivers must remain vigilant, particularly during low-visibility conditions.

Understanding the Risks and Finding Support

Oregon’s deadliest intersections and hazardous road stretches reveal how local conditions, from weather and geography to urban planning and traffic patterns, combine to create dangerous driving environments. Awareness of these hotspots is key for everyone on the road: drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. Taking extra care in these areas, obeying traffic laws, and staying vigilant can help reduce the risk of serious accidents.

But when crashes happen, victims and their families often face overwhelming challenges, medical bills, legal questions, and insurance hurdles. That’s why having reliable support matters.

Local Accident Reports is ready to help Oregon residents navigate the aftermath of a crash. We connect you with experienced personal injury attorneys who understand the nuances of Oregon traffic laws and help you obtain your official accident report quickly. Don’t wait. If you or a loved one has been injured, call 1 (888) 657-1460 now for trusted guidance and compassionate assistance every step of the way.