Long Island’s Five Most Dangerous Intersections

Legal Representation for Victims of Crashes at High-Risk Intersections in Nassau and Suffolk Counties

For pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers across Long Island, the daily commute often means navigating massive, congested intersections. Many of these intersections are not only inefficient—they are deadly. An in-depth review of crash data by Newsday has revealed the shocking extent of the problem: over a 10-year period from 2014 to 2023, just five intersections alone were responsible for 72 serious-injury and fatal crashes and more than 2,100 total collisions. These locations have become hotspots for tragedy, exposing structural flaws in traffic engineering and raising concerns about safety neglect.

When crosswalks stretch across 12 or more lanes and vehicles rush through turn lanes amid a confusing mix of signals, the danger becomes real and immediate. In many cases, pedestrians do not have sufficient time to cross safely. Drivers misinterpret turn signals. Speeding becomes routine. Human error, poor infrastructure, and outdated traffic patterns converge—leading to catastrophic outcomes.

Our New York car accident injury law firm is accepting cases involving serious injuries or deaths that occurred at these and other known high-risk intersections. If you or a family member has been harmed at one of these locations, you may have a claim under personal injury or wrongful death laws.

The Five Most Dangerous Intersections on Long Island

The following intersections were identified by the New York State Department of Transportation and reviewed by Newsday as the most hazardous based on serious injury and fatality data:

1. Old Country Road and Broadway, Hicksville – This sprawling 24-lane intersection in the heart of Hicksville recorded 13 serious-injury and fatal crashes over a decade. Two lives were lost, and at least 12 people were seriously injured. Despite some improvements—including repainted pavement markings and parking restrictions—the danger remains, especially for pedestrians crossing in early morning hours or during peak traffic.
2. Veterans Memorial Highway and Old Nichols Road, Islandia – Complex traffic flows, multiple merging lanes, and poor sight lines plague this location. From 2014 to 2023, there were 14 serious-injury and fatal crashes here. Drivers trying to beat the light coming off the overpass often cause violent collisions. Efforts to install left-turn lanes and improve traffic signals have helped marginally, but crash frequency remains alarmingly high.
3. Nicolls Road and State Route 347, Stony Brook – Emergency responders are frequently delayed by long signal waits at this intersection, located near Stony Brook University Hospital. It’s a known traffic bottleneck where high-speed traffic meets confusing turn patterns. Fourteen serious-injury and fatal crashes were reported here between 2014 and 2023. A planned overpass, scheduled for construction between 2028 and 2031, is expected to cost over $100 million—but the current danger persists.
4. North Franklin and Jackson Streets, Hempstead Village – Serving as a high-traffic corridor near a charter school and transportation hub, this intersection has seen 14 serious-injury and fatal crashes in a 10-year period. Two pedestrians were killed, and 13 others were seriously hurt. Crossing guards have stepped up safety efforts, but illegal turns, distracted driving, and school zone congestion continue to pose a threat.
5. Straight Path and Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst – This intersection is the deadliest of the five, with 17 serious-injury and fatal crashes recorded from 2014 to 2023. Three people were killed and 19 severely injured. The intersection’s layout—nine lanes across Sunrise Highway and six across Straight Path—combined with high traffic volumes and limited pedestrian infrastructure, creates constant conflict between drivers and those on foot or bicycles.

How Intersection Design Contributes to Fatal Crashes

Many Long Island intersections were not built with today’s traffic volumes or pedestrian needs in mind. Over the decades, roadways have been widened, and traffic signals have become more complex—but safety improvements have lagged behind. Planning agencies are now forced to retrofit outdated infrastructure while addressing increasing commuter demand. These conditions create several safety hazards:

• Overly wide intersections that require long crossing times, leaving pedestrians vulnerable in the middle of traffic.
• Poor signal coordination that causes confusion among turning drivers and those going straight.
• Lack of pedestrian safety features like medians, raised crosswalks, or audible walk signals.
• High vehicle speeds, particularly when traffic lights are spaced too far apart or drivers exit overpasses.
• Limited visibility, especially for right turns or U-turns, where lanes overlap dangerously.

In addition, many intersections lack effective enforcement tools or real-time pedestrian detection systems. These design shortcomings aren’t just inconvenient—they are deadly.

Human Error and Systemic Failures: A Deadly Combination

Even when physical infrastructure is improved, human error remains a significant factor in traffic collisions. Drivers routinely run red lights, fail to yield to pedestrians, and make illegal turns. Pedestrians also make risky decisions—crossing against signals or assuming traffic will stop. This is compounded by distracted driving, especially cell phone use, which continues to rise despite public awareness campaigns.

According to transportation safety experts, a crash’s severity can hinge on a fraction of a second. The difference between a close call and a fatal collision often comes down to speed, visibility, and split-second reaction times. Without significant structural and behavioral changes, these intersections will continue to claim lives.

Your Legal Rights After a Crash at a Dangerous Intersection

When a serious injury or wrongful death occurs at a known dangerous intersection, legal liability may fall on several parties. These can include:

• Negligent drivers, including those who speed, ignore signals, or fail to yield.
• Government agencies, if known hazards were left unaddressed for years.
• Traffic engineering firms, when flawed design or poor planning directly contributes to repeated accidents.
• Private property owners, if access points (like driveways or signage) obstruct views or create hazardous conditions.

A civil lawsuit may allow injured individuals—or families of those killed—to recover financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and funeral expenses. In some cases, lawsuits have also led to meaningful infrastructure reforms that make roads safer for everyone.

Our attorneys investigate every detail of these crashes: traffic camera footage, police reports, prior complaints, and DOT maintenance logs. We uncover systemic failures and fight to hold those responsible accountable.

Parker Waichman LLP: National Representation for Injury Victims

At Parker Waichman LLP, we represent victims of traffic accidents at dangerous intersections throughout the United States, including Nassau and Suffolk counties. If you or a loved one was injured—or if your family is grieving a preventable loss—we want to help you seek justice.

We are currently reviewing cases involving serious injuries or deaths at high-risk Long Island intersections, including:

• Old Country Road & Broadway (Hicksville)
• Veterans Memorial Highway & Old Nichols Road (Islandia)
• Nicolls Road & Route 347 (Stony Brook)
• North Franklin & Jackson Streets (Hempstead Village)
• Straight Path & Sunrise Highway (Lindenhurst)

You are not alone. These intersections have a known history of danger, and you may be entitled to compensation under the law.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For a Free Case Review

If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a crash at one of Long Island’s dangerous intersections, take action now. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses.

The attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP are offering free consultations to individuals and families affected by serious intersection-related crashes. We are accepting cases throughout New York and New Jersey and will fight to hold negligent parties accountable.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today to speak with a traffic injury attorney. Let us help you pursue justice and protect your rights.