Washington Intersections

Every year, thousands of lives are permanently impacted on Washington’s roads. In 2025 alone, King County recorded over 40 traffic deaths, the highest in the state, while other areas like Spokane and Tacoma also face major safety issues. From busy city intersections to rural highways, specific locations in Washington consistently experience higher crash rates.

No matter the reason, it’s essential to know the top 20 high-crash locations across Washington based on the latest available data from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), local law enforcement reports, and other trusted sources. Understanding these high-risk areas can help drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians stay alert and safe.

The Top 20 High-Crash Spots in Washington

1. I-5 & NE 175th Street Interchange, Shoreline

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 7
Fatalities (2018–2022): 8
Crashes per mile: 4.5
This busy freeway interchange handles heavy commuter traffic merging from multiple lanes, with frequent congestion and confusing lane shifts. Short merge lanes and high volumes increase rear-end collisions and sudden lane changes, especially during rush hours.

2. SR 520 & 92nd Avenue NE, Redmond

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 5
Fatalities (2018–2022): 6
Crashes per mile: 3.8
High-speed traffic meets suburban arterial roads with numerous turning movements. Poorly timed traffic signals and high pedestrian activity from nearby neighborhoods raise the risk of angle and pedestrian crashes.

3. NE 45th Street & 15th Avenue NE, Seattle

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 6
Fatalities (2018–2022): 5
Crashes per mile: 3.6
A major urban intersection near the University of Washington, mixing heavy pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle traffic. Poor lighting and narrow lanes contribute to frequent collisions and unsafe crossing conditions.

4. I-405 & NE 124th Street, Kirkland

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 8
Fatalities (2018–2022): 9
Crashes per mile: 4.9
This interchange experiences heavy commercial and commuter traffic. Ramp merges are short and complex, causing abrupt lane changes and rear-end collisions during peak hours.

5. US-2 & 188th Avenue SE, Monroe

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 5
Fatalities (2018–2022): 7
Crashes per mile: 3.7
This rural-urban transition zone sees fast-moving traffic merging with local roads. Limited lighting and mixed vehicle types, including trucks and agricultural vehicles, increase crash risks, especially at night.

6. State Route 99 & S Spokane Street, Seattle

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 6
Fatalities (2018–2022): 6
Crashes per mile: 3.9
A busy urban intersection with poor signal timing and high pedestrian flow. Narrow turning lanes and frequent bus traffic contribute to sideswipe and pedestrian accidents.

7. SR 509 & South 272nd Street, SeaTac

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 7
Fatalities (2018–2022): 7
Crashes per mile: 4.2
Close to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, this interchange experiences heavy traffic volumes and commercial vehicles. Complex lane configurations and insufficient signage increase crash potential.

8. NE 185th Street & 5th Avenue NE, Shoreline

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 4
Fatalities (2018–2022): 5
Crashes per mile: 3.1
A suburban arterial with high pedestrian activity from nearby schools and parks. Crosswalks are poorly marked, and traffic signals are often ignored, leading to frequent pedestrian-vehicle collisions.

9. I-90 & Broadway Avenue, Spokane

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 6
Fatalities (2018–2022): 8
Crashes per mile: 4.4
This interchange connects freeway traffic with downtown Spokane. High-speed vehicles merge with local traffic, and limited visibility during bad weather raises crash risk.

10. SR 509 & Marine View Drive, Tacoma

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 5
Fatalities (2018–2022): 6
Crashes per mile: 3.7
Heavy industrial and commercial traffic mix with local commuters. Poor lighting and narrow lanes contribute to rear-end and sideswipe collisions.

11. Martin Luther King Jr Way & Rainier Avenue S, Seattle

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 7
Fatalities (2018–2022): 9
Crashes per mile: 4.5
This urban intersection has heavy vehicle, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. Narrow lanes, aggressive driving, and limited pedestrian protections increase crash frequency.

12. I-5 & SR 16 Interchange, Tacoma

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 8
Fatalities (2018–2022): 10
Crashes per mile: 5.1
A high-speed interchange featuring complex merges and heavy commercial vehicle traffic. Sudden lane changes and congestion often cause crashes.

13. SR 522 & Bothell-Everett Highway, Kenmore

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 5
Fatalities (2018–2022): 5
Crashes per mile: 3.3
A suburban arterial that experiences substantial commuter traffic and features multiple turning lanes. Improving signal timing could enhance traffic flow and reduce the likelihood of rear-end and angle collisions, creating a safer environment for all road users.

14. I-405 & NE 8th Street, Bellevue

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 6
Fatalities (2018–2022): 7
Crashes per mile: 3.8
This bustling interchange serves as a vital hub for both local and through traffic, often resulting in significant congestion during peak hours. The limited signage, coupled with intricate lane merges, creates a challenging environment for drivers, contributing to a heightened risk of sideswipe and rear-end collisions. The constant flow of vehicles adds to the complexity, making navigation through this area both frustrating and hazardous.

15. Pacific Highway South & 272nd Street SW, Tacoma

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 4
Fatalities (2018–2022): 5
Crashes per mile: 3.0
An industrial area with heavy truck traffic faces risks from poor lighting and narrow lanes, raising crash chances involving commercial vehicles. WA-99, a busy route combining high-speed highway and local street elements, may cause traffic conflicts. Pacific Highway (WA-99) serves as a key corridor and local street, with inconsistent speed limits and traffic patterns that can confuse drivers and lead to collisions.

16. SR 509 & South 112th Street, Seattle

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 5
Fatalities (2018–2022): 5
Crashes per mile: 3.4
This area sees heavy commuter and freight traffic. Signal timing issues and frequent lane changes increase rear-end and sideswipe collisions.

17. I-90 & Monroe Street, Spokane

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 6
Fatalities (2018–2022): 7
Crashes per mile: 4.0
High-speed traffic merges with local roads in this urban area. Limited lighting and high congestion contribute to frequent crashes.

18. SR 99 & Denny Way, Seattle

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 7
Fatalities (2018–2022): 8
Crashes per mile: 4.1
A busy urban corridor with heavy pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Poor lane markings and aggressive driving behaviors contribute to crashes.

19. I-5 & SR 18 Interchange, Auburn

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 5
Fatalities (2018–2022): 6
Crashes per mile: 3.6
High-speed freeway interchange with heavy commuter and freight traffic, short merge lanes, and sudden exits cause frequent rear-end collisions.

20. Stevens Pass Highway (US-2) & Index-Galena Road, Monroe

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 4
Fatalities (2018–2022): 5
Crashes per mile: 3.2
This rural mountainous area features sharp curves, limited guardrails, and seasonal weather hazards. The combination of high-speed vehicles and poor lighting raises the risk of severe crashes. In particular, a section of US-2 between Stevens Pass and Everett is designated as a “traffic safety corridor” because of the high number of serious and fatal collisions. It is also recognized as one of the deadliest highways in Washington and ranks among the top five most dangerous roads in the state.

Common Causes of Crashes in Washington’s High-Risk Areas

When we analyze why these 20 spots experience so many crashes, several common factors keep recurring. Understanding these causes can benefit everyone on the road: drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Driver Behavior

• Speeding: A common issue, particularly on highways and rural roads. Going over speed limits reduces reaction times, increasing the likelihood and severity of crashes.
• Distracted Driving: Activities such as texting, fiddling with the radio, or eating while driving lead to significant lapses in attention, contributing to dangerous situations on the road.
• Driving Under the Influence or Impaired Driving: Nearly one in three traffic deaths in Washington involves impaired drivers. Many individuals take to the road under the influence, putting themselves and others at risk despite awareness campaigns.
• Poor Visibility or Inadequate Lighting: particularly in suburban and rural areas where streetlights may be lacking or malfunctioning. Nighttime and adverse weather conditions like rain or fog significantly increase crash risks.

Traffic Management Challenges

• Intersections: Poorly timed or confusing traffic signals lead to sudden stops or risky maneuvers, compounded by worn or unclear lane markings and insufficient signage, heightening the risk of collisions.
• Congestion and Heavy Traffic: High volumes of vehicles in urban areas, coupled with frequent merges and lane changes, create stressful driving conditions that often result in rear-end crashes.

Pedestrian Hazards

• Busy Areas: Near schools and transit hubs face dangers with inadequate crosswalks, aggressive vehicle turning, and distracted pedestrians, creating a higher likelihood of crashes involving individuals on foot or bike.

Commercial Vehicles

• Mix of Traffic: High-crash locations often see a combination of passenger cars and large trucks or delivery vans, where the size difference complicates traffic flow and raises risks in tighter spaces and during lane merges.

Despite all this, it’s important to remember that most crashes are preventable. Small changes, like slowing down, putting phones away, paying close attention at intersections, and respecting traffic laws, can make a huge difference.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe, and Know Where the Risks Are

Washington’s roads can be dangerous, but spotting the highest-risk areas helps you stay safe. From busy city intersections to rural highway stretches, the 20 locations we identified share a common trait: a high number of crashes caused by tricky road designs, heavy traffic, and risky driving behaviors.

Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or enjoying a weekend drive, knowing these trouble zones can help prevent you from becoming another statistic. Don’t underestimate the importance of caution; practicing patience, obeying traffic signals, and avoiding distractions could save your life or someone else’s.

If you or a loved one is ever injured in a collision in Washington, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We connect you with trusted Washington personal injury attorneys, assist in obtaining your official accident report, and guide you through what happens next.

Prompt legal assistance is vital to protect your rights, manage insurance claims, and secure the compensation you deserve. At Local Accident Reports, we provide up-to-date traffic accident news from across Washington. If you have any questions or would like to schedule your free case review, don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact us today by calling 1-888‑657‑1460.