The Top 20 High-Crash Spots in Rhode Island Ranked

Every year, hundreds of crashes occur across Rhode Island, from busy Providence intersections to winding coastal highways. While some collisions are minor, others leave lasting impacts, serious injuries, lost wages, or the devastating loss of a loved one. Some roads and intersections, time and again, prove to be far more dangerous than others.

This ranked list highlights Rhode Island’s 20 most crash-prone locations, based on data from the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and local Vision Zero initiatives. From deadly interstates to chaotic crossroads, these spots are where drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians face the highest risks.

Rhode Island’s 20 High-Risk Road Zones

1. Interstate 95 & Exit 22 (Providence)

The stretch around Exit 22 on I-95 sees a dangerous mix of tight curves, heavy merging, and downtown Providence traffic. Between 2018 and 2022, this elevated exit experienced 72 crashes, including five fatalities. Commuters, trucks entering from Route 6, and limited shoulders on cramped ramps make rear-end and sideswipe collisions a frequent occurrence. During peak hours and adverse weather, visibility drops, and the confined design leaves little room for error, contributing to repeated serious crashes.

2. Pawtucket Avenue & Mount Hope Avenue (Pawtucket)

This busy urban intersection recorded 48 crashes and two fatalities from 2018 to 2022. Lined with retail strips and schools, it sees heavy pedestrian traffic, but crosswalks are poorly marked. Angle crashes and pedestrian collisions occur regularly, often involving distracted drivers who misjudge turns or fail to yield. The convergence of local and through traffic amplifies the risks at this densely populated crossing.

3. U.S. 1A (Broad Street) & Smith Street (Woonsocket)

Handling substantial local and delivery vehicle traffic, this crossroads saw 57 crashes and three fatalities from 2018 to 2022. Evening congestion and limited signal coordination increase the likelihood of angle and rear-end collisions. Drivers navigating this area face frequent stop-and-go conditions and short reaction times, making it one of Woonsocket’s more dangerous intersections.

4. Route 10 & Plainfield Pike (Cranston/Middletown)

Connecting residential neighborhoods to industrial zones, the Route 10 and Plainfield Pike corridor experienced 63 crashes with four fatalities between 2018 and 2022. High speeds, turning vehicles, and limited nighttime lighting create frequent T-bone crashes. The mix of local commuters and through-traffic amplifies the dangers, and drivers must negotiate sharp curves and busy side streets simultaneously.

5. Route 146 & Hartford Avenue (Providence/Cumberland)

This junction sees heavy urban and highway traffic converge near shopping centers and apartment complexes, and it recorded 69 crashes with six fatalities from 2018 to 2022. Blind spots, frequent lane changes, and off-ramps make rear-end collisions and sideswipes common. Congestion during peak commuting hours increases impatience, causing risky maneuvers and a higher likelihood of severe accidents.

6. Route 37 (Henderson Expressway) near Elmwood Avenue (Providence)

The Henderson Expressway cuts through residential neighborhoods at high speeds, creating a recurring danger zone. From 2018 to 2022, this stretch saw 55 crashes, including three fatalities. Drivers often fail to navigate curves properly or misjudge merging lanes, and few pedestrian crossings exist, with poor lighting exacerbating the risks. The combination of speed, limited visibility, and residential traffic makes serious collisions common.

7. Newport Bridge (RI-138) Toll Plaza

The toll plaza on the Newport Bridge, connecting Jamestown and Newport, recorded 50 crashes and two fatalities between 2018 and 2022. Stop-and-go traffic at the toll booths, motorcycles filtering through lanes, and distracted drivers contribute to frequent rear-end collisions. The high volume of seasonal commuter and tourist traffic, combined with limited acceleration space after toll collection, intensifies crash risks, especially during peak summer periods.

8. Route 102 & Route 3 (Foster)

On the rural outskirts of Rhode Island, the Route 102 and Route 3 intersection handles both local farmland traffic and commuter flows. From 2018 to 2022, it experienced 40 crashes, including two fatalities. Drivers often exceed the posted speed limits, and limited nighttime lighting increases the severity of angle crashes. The lack of nearby emergency infrastructure further compounds the dangers of this remote intersection.

9. Route 138 & Route 1 (Kingston/Wakefield)

Heavy tourist traffic funnels through this junction during the summer months, creating a hotspot for collisions. Between 2018 and 2022, it saw 45 crashes, with three resulting in fatalities. Congestion, turning vehicles, and unfamiliar drivers contribute to frequent rear-end and sideswipe accidents. Peak season traffic exacerbates confusion, making it particularly hazardous for both locals and visitors navigating the area.

10. Broadway & Eddy Street (Providence)

Downtown Providence’s Broadway and Eddy Street intersection is one of the city’s busiest. From 2018 to 2022, 60 crashes occurred here, including four fatalities. Cars, buses, bikes, and pedestrians all share limited space, and a lack of clearly defined turning lanes results in frequent angle collisions. Heavy vehicle volumes during rush hours, combined with congested sidewalks, elevate the risk of pedestrian-related crashes.

11. Route 95 & Exit 7B Interchange (East Greenwich)

The loop ramp at Exit 7B features a tight turn radius and limited sight lines, making it a frequent site for crashes. Between 2018 and 2022, this interchange recorded 52 crashes, including two fatalities. Heavy commuter trucks and SUV traffic often collide while merging, and insufficient acceleration lanes increase the likelihood of rear-end and sideswipe incidents. Congestion during peak hours worsens these risks.

12. Route 37 & Pontiac Avenue (Central Providence)

This central Providence crossing connects dense neighborhoods and sees high pedestrian activity. From 2018 to 2022, 58 crashes occurred here, including three fatalities. Poorly marked sidewalks, faded road markings, and turning vehicles that fail to yield contribute to frequent collisions. Heavy local traffic during rush hours further amplifies the danger.

13. Route 44 (Putnam Pike) near Pascoag (Glocester)

A rural stretch with long straightaways, Route 44 near Pascoag experiences speeding and angle collisions. Between 2018 and 2022, 42 crashes occurred, including one fatality. Poorly marked side roads for turns and limited shoulder space increase the severity of crashes, particularly at night or in adverse weather. Drivers must remain vigilant on this sparsely lit corridor.

14. Route 146A (Riverside Avenue) near Sayles Avenue (Cumberland)

Heavily trafficked by locals accessing shopping centers, Route 146A near Sayles Avenue recorded 47 crashes and two fatalities from 2018 to 2022. Signal timing issues, frequent pedestrian crossings, and turning vehicles create repeated rear-end collisions during rush hours. Congestion and inconsistent lane discipline add to the danger, especially during peak shopping times.

15. Route 95 & Exit 9 (Providence/Warwick)

This high-volume interchange serves hospitals, office parks, and residential areas, making it a hotspot for collisions. Between 2018 and 2022, it experienced 70 crashes, including five fatalities. Multiple exit choices often confuse drivers, and last-minute lane changes or missed exits result in rear-end and sideswipe accidents. Congestion during peak periods amplifies the risks.

16. Route 2 & Tiogue Avenue (Cranston/Woonsocket)

Connecting major commuter arteries, this intersection recorded 50 crashes and three fatalities from 2018 to 2022. Poorly defined turning lanes and nearby schools increase the likelihood of side-impact collisions. Pedestrian traffic combined with heavy local and commuter flows creates a high-risk environment for all road users.

17. Route 108 (Ten Rod Road) near Quidnessett Road (North Kingstown)

This commuter and school corridor sees frequent speeding and sudden stops. From 2018 to 2022, 44 crashes occurred here, including two fatalities. Limited signage and long stretches without traffic control devices contribute to collisions. Drivers navigating this semi-rural road must manage high-speed traffic along with pedestrian and school-related hazards.

18. Route 95 & Exit 42 (Kingston)

The interchange providing access to the University of Rhode Island campus recorded 55 crashes and three fatalities from 2018 to 2022. Student-led and commuter driving styles merge here, creating frequent conflicts during peak travel times. Short ramps, heavy merging volumes, and sudden lane changes increase the risk of rear-end and sideswipe accidents.

19. Route 103 (Main Street) through East Providence

An urban commercial strip, Route 103 experiences high crash rates due to numerous driveways, on-street parking, and heavy foot traffic. Between 2018 and 2022, 61 crashes occurred, including four fatalities. Backing vehicles, delivery trucks, and signalized turns often result in rear-end and sideswipe collisions, especially during busy shopping hours.

20. Route 95 & Exit 11 (Cranston)

Just north of Providence, Exit 11 connects to busy residential areas and handles heavy ramp traffic. From 2018 to 2022, this interchange recorded 68 crashes, including four fatalities. Short merging lanes and congestion during peak hours create frequent conflict points. Drivers often face last-second lane changes, and backups spilling onto ramps exacerbate the risk of serious collisions.

Rhode Island Safety Overview

Rhode Island, though small, experiences significant traffic challenges, with over 25,000 crashes reported in 2022, including more than 6,000 injury crashes and 63 fatalities. About 15% of deadly collisions involved pedestrians or cyclists.

Common Crash Factors on Rhode Island Roads

Across the state, certain patterns emerge:

• Busy intersections: Poor signals, faded lane markings, and unclear right-of-way contribute to frequent rear-end and angle collisions.
• High-speed rural routes: Limited lighting, unclear signage, and long, empty stretches encourage speeding and run-off-road crashes.
• Tourist-heavy areas: Regions like Newport and South County see spikes in collisions, particularly during summer months when out-of-town drivers encounter heavier traffic.
• Driver behavior: Speeding, texting, running red lights, and impaired driving remain leading causes; nearly one in three traffic deaths involves impairment.
• Pedestrian risks: Poorly marked crosswalks and aggressive turning drivers create hazards, especially for children and older adults in urban settings.

State and local initiatives are underway to address these dangers. Vision Zero Providence and RIDOT programs focus on smarter road design, clearer signals, better lighting, safer intersections, and speed limit adjustments. While progress is ongoing, awareness and caution remain critical for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists navigating Rhode Island’s roads.

If You’re Involved in a Rhode Island Accident, Here’s How to Get Help

Even with safe habits and full attention on the road, accidents can still happen, often in the places drivers least expect. If you or someone you love has been hurt in a crash anywhere in Rhode Island, the aftermath can be overwhelming. You might be dealing with injuries, hospital bills, missed work, or confusing conversations with insurance companies.

At LocalAccidentReports.com, we’re here to help. Our team connects crash victims with trusted Rhode Island personal injury attorneys who understand the local roads, the laws, and how to fight for the compensation you deserve. We’ll also help you get your official crash report, walk you through the legal process, and make sure you know your rights every step of the way.

Call (888) 657-1460 now for a free, no-obligation consultation. One call can give you the support, answers, and legal guidance you need to move forward. Getting help quickly can protect your case, preserve evidence, and give you peace of mind during a difficult time. Reach out today and let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.