Long Island’s Most Dangerous Intersections: A Growing Safety Crisis

Understanding Your Rights If You Were Hurt at One of Long Island’s High-Risk Intersections

Long Island, with its sprawling suburbs, busy commuter routes, and dense commercial zones, has some of the most congested and hazardous intersections in New York State. While many of these junctions serve as crucial arteries for commuters and residents alike, several have become notorious for serious and sometimes fatal accidents. Whether due to poor design, high traffic volume, or driver negligence, these intersections have emerged as hotspots for injury-causing crashes involving vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Accident data from Nassau and Suffolk counties, as well as firsthand accounts from law enforcement and local residents, highlight a troubling pattern. These intersections routinely witness T-bone collisions, pedestrian strikes, red light violations, and other preventable accidents. For those harmed, the consequences can be life-altering, leading to hospitalizations, lost income, and lasting trauma.

If you’ve been injured at any of Long Island’s high-risk intersections, you may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim. Understanding which intersections pose the greatest risk—and why—can help you better recognize liability and protect your legal rights.

Dangerous Intersections That Have Caused Serious Harm

Deer Park Avenue and Jericho Turnpike (Deer Park)

This intersection is the site of numerous red-light violations and T-bone crashes. The width of the roads and the high-speed limits encourage risky driving behavior. When collisions occur, they tend to be severe due to the force of impact.

Hempstead Turnpike and Merrick Avenue (East Meadow)

Known for its multi-lane structure and proximity to shopping centers and medical facilities, this intersection frequently experiences rear-end collisions and multi-vehicle pileups. Pedestrians attempting to cross face long distances with limited crossing time, making it one of Nassau County’s most hazardous areas.

Jericho Turnpike and Route 110 (Huntington Station)

Two major roads converge in a bustling commercial hub, leading to high congestion, especially during weekends. The risk of left-turn collisions is amplified by inconsistent signal timing and driver impatience. Cyclists are also at risk due to the lack of dedicated bike lanes.

Merrick Road and Ocean Avenue (Lynbrook)

Downtown pedestrian traffic mixes with impatient drivers near local restaurants and stores. Distracted driving is a common issue, with motorists failing to see pedestrians in crosswalks or slamming into stopped traffic at red lights.

Middle Country Road and William Floyd Parkway (Ridge)

The rural nature of this intersection belies the dangers it presents. High-speed traffic and infrequent traffic lights increase the risk of catastrophic crashes. Misjudged left turns and sudden braking are frequent causes of multi-vehicle accidents.

Montauk Highway and Nicolls Road (Blue Point)

Serving as a connector between north-south and east-west traffic, this intersection is especially dangerous in summer when beachgoers increase congestion. Fog and limited sight distance add another layer of risk, contributing to serious side-impact and rollover accidents.

Northern Boulevard and Glen Cove Road (Greenvale)

Traffic flowing off the nearby Long Island Expressway makes this a chaotic intersection, especially during rush hour. Sudden lane changes and aggressive driving behavior are common, leading to frequent collisions with serious injuries.

Old Country Road and Glen Cove Road (Carle Place)

Located near Roosevelt Field Mall, this intersection is one of the busiest in Nassau County. Heavy pedestrian traffic mixes with aggressive drivers turning right on red, leading to frequent pedestrian injuries. The mix of high-speed traffic and complex turning lanes increases the danger.

Sunrise Highway and Newbridge Road (Bellmore)

The proximity to the Bellmore train station and local businesses results in constant foot traffic. Accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists are tragically common, especially when drivers fail to yield during turns or accelerate through yellow lights.

Sunrise Highway and Rockaway Avenue (Valley Stream)

Poor visibility and a confusing lane structure contribute to the high number of rear-end and angle collisions at this busy intersection. During peak hours, drivers often misjudge distances or block the box, creating unsafe conditions for everyone on the road.

Common Causes of Intersection Accidents on Long Island

Driver Distraction

Mobile device usage remains a major contributor to crashes. Whether it’s texting at a red light or adjusting a GPS while approaching an intersection, a momentary lapse in attention can result in a devastating collision.

Ignoring Traffic Signals

Red light running and failure to obey stop signs continue to plague Long Island’s roadways. At busy intersections, these violations lead to T-bone crashes—among the deadliest types of collisions due to the direct side impact.

Speeding Through Intersections

Speeding not only reduces reaction time but significantly increases the force of any crash. Drivers attempting to beat a red light or racing through yellow signals put everyone at risk, especially pedestrians who are crossing lawfully.

Failure to Yield

Misunderstanding or disregarding right-of-way rules contributes to a large share of accidents. Drivers making left turns, merging into traffic, or rolling through crosswalks without yielding can cause serious harm to pedestrians, cyclists, and fellow motorists.

Poor Weather Conditions

Fog, rain, and icy roads compound the existing dangers of Long Island intersections. Limited visibility, slippery surfaces, and reduced traction all contribute to crashes that might have otherwise been avoidable.

Your Legal Options After an Intersection Crash

If you or a loved one has been injured at one of Long Island’s dangerous intersections, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency medical bills and hospitalization
• Long-term rehabilitation and therapy
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death damages for families who have lost a loved one

Determining fault in an intersection crash may require a detailed investigation involving witness statements, surveillance footage, accident reconstruction experts, and a thorough review of traffic signal patterns. A personal injury attorney can help identify liable parties, whether it be a negligent driver, a municipality responsible for road maintenance, or another third party.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For a Free Case Review

If you or someone you love has been injured at one of Long Island’s dangerous intersections, the legal team at Parker Waichman LLP is here to help. We represent victims of car crashes, pedestrian accidents, and cyclist injuries throughout Long Island and across New York State. Our firm has the resources and experience to investigate your case, hold negligent parties accountable, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today for your free, no-obligation consultation.