What Are The Most Dangerous Intersections and Roads on Long Island?

Today, we're going to explore some of the most dangerous intersections on Long Island, focusing on their implications from a personal injury law perspective. As many of us Long Islanders know, at times, it's one of the nicest places in the country to take a drive, with plenty of fun roads and scenic spots. But in most cases, it's an exercise in frustration. With many more people having made the island their home in the last 20 years or so, traffic is a bit of a nightmare. 

Why Are Long Island Roads and Intersections Dangerous?

Driving on Long Island presents unique challenges that elevate the danger level, particularly at its many intersections. One of the most obvious factors is the overall volume of motorists far exceeding what our roadway infrastructure was ever designed for. Long Island's complex road network, filled with aging infrastructure and poorly marked lanes, can confuse even seasoned drivers.

Many of our intersections and highways dates back to a time where Long Island was predominantly farmland, and had maybe 20% of the population density it has now. Even with extensive roadworks to mitigate these issues, they can never be truly rectified.

Distracted driving further exacerbates these dangers, as daily commuters often "multitask" while navigating the road. Aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding and tailgating, can also be prevalent, particularly in high-traffic areas.

Hempstead Turnpike and Merrick Avenue in East Meadow (Nassau)

The intersection of Hempstead Turnpike and Merrick Avenue in East Meadow, NY, has gained notoriety for its high rate of auto accidents. According to local traffic reports, this intersection ranks among the most hazardous on Long Island, recording over 40 accidents annually. Contributing factors include heavy traffic volume and the presence of multiple crosswalks, which also increases pedestrian risks.

Notable incidents include a serious accident in 2021, where a vehicle struck a pedestrian in a crosswalk, leading to critical injuries. In another case back in 2019, a multi-vehicle collision resulted in significant property damage and injuries, highlighting the intersection's perilous conditions.

Statistics indicate that accidents at this particular intersection frequently involve rear-end collisions and left-turn mishaps, often exacerbated by drivers' impatience during rush hour. Law enforcement and local safety advocates are urging improved signage and pedestrian safety measures to mitigate dangers at this busy intersection. Get used to hearing that during this article.

Hempstead Turnpike and Nassau Road in Franklin Square (Nassau)

The intersection of Hempstead Turnpike and Nassau Road in Franklin Square, NY, is yet another nasty intersection in Nassau County. Recent figures indicate that it frequently registers over 50 crashes per year. The contributing factors include heavy traffic, the presence of multiple turning lanes, and pedestrian activity.

Notable accidents at this intersection include a tragic collision in 2021 that resulted in serious injuries to multiple individuals. Another significant incident in that year involved a pedestrian who was struck while crossing.

Nassau County PD have responded with increased traffic enforcement, and the introduction of clearer signage, both may have helped a bit, but it's hard to say that these kinds of interventions will meaningfully change things. Auto accident attorneys like us often point out that such high-risk intersections demand continual scrutiny and improvement efforts to enhance safety for drivers and pedestrians alike. But it's really difficult to change outcomes without changing driver behaviors.

Jericho Turnpike and Route 110 in Huntington Station (Suffolk)

The intersection of Jericho Turnpike and Route 110 in Huntington Station, NY, is one of Suffolk's most common spots for auto accidents. This intersection reportedly experiences over 200 accidents annually, making it one of the most accident heavy intersections on Long Island. A significant contributing factor is the complex traffic pattern, which accommodates frankly outrageous traffic volumes from both Jericho Turnpike and Route 110.

Notable accidents include a tragic incident in 2018 where a multi-vehicle crash resulted in serious injuries to several individuals. The combination of high-speed thoroughfares and frequent turning vehicles creates a high-risk environment, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists. Efforts to improve safety, such as the installation of additional traffic lights and pedestrian crossing signals, have been implemented, but challenges remain. Personal injury claims from accidents at this intersection are common, emphasizing the need for ongoing awareness and preventive measures.

Sunrise Highway and Deer Park Avenue in North Babylon (Suffolk)

The intersection of Sunrise Highway and Deer Park Avenue in North Babylon, NY, is our second Suffolk County pick. According to data from the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, this intersection has reported numerous collisions, contributing to its reputation as one of Long Island's most dangerous. In a recent five-year span, it was noted that this intersection experienced over 90 accidents annually, with a significant percentage resulting in injuries.

It also doesn't help that this intersection is right in the middle of one of Long Island's street racing hot spots. One particular tragic 2020 crash involved multiple vehicles and resulted in serious injuries to several individuals, and Suffolk PD is well aware of the fact that many of the accidents around here are actually the result of street racing.

Additionally, the merging traffic from Sunrise Highway can create hazardous conditions, especially during peak hours, leading to an increased likelihood of accidents. Increased awareness and potential improvements to signage and traffic signals have been discussed to enhance safety at this critical juncture.

Deer Park Avenue and Jericho Turnpike in Deer Park (Suffolk)

Our third Suffolk selection is the intersection of Deer Park Avenue and Jericho Turnpike in Deer Park, NY. Statistics indicate that this intersection has experienced a significant number of auto accidents over recent years, with annual reports suggesting hundreds of incidents, ranging from minor fender-benders to severe collisions.

Notable accidents at this intersection highlight its danger. For example, a recent accident in 2021 resulted in multiple injuries and raised concerns about traffic signals and roadway design. Local authorities have documented fatalities at this location, further emphasizing the urgency for safety improvements.

The combination of high traffic volume, complex turning patterns, and limited visibility contribute to the risks at this intersection. Injury lawyers often cite this location in discussions about personal injury claims, as the design of the intersection is not at all suitable for the modern Long Island.

Route 347 and Terry Road in Smithtown (Suffolk)

The intersection of Route 347 and Terry Road in Smithtown, NY, is our fourth pick for Suffolk County. According to the New York State Department of Transportation, the area has seen numerous incidents in recent years, with a significant percentage resulting in injuries. While the volume of accidents may not be quite as high as other selections on this list, this intersection is commonly known to be really frustrating to deal with.

One notable incident occurred in June 2020, when a multi-vehicle crash resulted in serious injuries to several drivers. Witnesses reported that a driver failed to yield while turning onto Terry Road, leading to a chain reaction involving three other vehicles. This accident, again, underscored the dangers posed by insufficient signage and poor visibility.

How Bad are Long Island Intersections Compared to Other Places?

Long Island's intersections are unfortunately well known for their high accident rates, raising concerns about their safety compared to other regions in the United States. As we've discussed, factors contributing to the danger include traffic volume that the intersections were never meant to deal with, outdated infrastructure, and a lack of considerations for pedestrians and cyclists. While some urban areas across the U.S. experience similar challenges, Long Island’s unique combination of suburban sprawl and dense population exacerbates the risks.

Data from various traffic safety reports indicate that Long Island frequently ranks among the top regions for intersection-related accidents. However, it's essential to contextualize this by considering other accident-prone areas, such as major cities with congested networks. Many urban intersections also face significant safety issues due to complexities like multiple lanes, limited visibility, and aggressive driving behavior. 

Ultimately, while Long Island's intersections are indeed perilous, this is not an isolated phenomenon. Various areas across the country face similar challenges, but Long Island's distinct conditions make its intersections particularly hazardous, often leading to serious personal injury claims.

When do I Need to Call an Attorney?

After being involved in an accident at one of Long Island’s dangerous intersections, it is crucial to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Many intersections on Long Island are notorious for their high accident rates, making them particularly treacherous for drivers and pedestrians alike. Calling our team at Langella & Langella is a good choice to make sure you're being represented properly.

From the outset, an attorney can assist in gathering crucial evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and surveillance footage. They can also evaluate liability, determining whether negligence from other drivers, inadequate signage, or poor roadway design contributed to the accident.



Additionally, insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, and having an attorney on your side can help you negotiate a fair settlement. Consulting with a lawyer not only provides clarity on your legal options but also helps to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. Don't underestimate the importance of legal support after an accident—it's a vital step in your recovery process.