Top 5 Dangerous Intersections in Brockton for Car Accidents
Car accidents are, unfortunately, quite common in every city, but some locations in Massachusetts carry a much higher risk than others. Here in Brockton, some intersections continually rank among the most hazardous in the state. It’s important to understand where these problem areas are and why they pose a threat. That way, you can help stay safe and avoid becoming a statistic.
The City of Brockton reports, “Between 2018 and 2022, 33 fatal crashes occurred in the city. In this same period, 286 serious injury crashes occurred, along with 4,511 minor injury crashes, 6,386 crashes where only property was damaged, and 541 crashes of an unknown severity. In total, Brockton experienced 11,757 crashes, one of the highest numbers of crashes of any Massachusetts community.”
As Brockton car accident lawyers, the Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan have represented numerous clients who were injured at these high-risk intersections. The following list is based on state crash data, local transportation studies, and public safety records.
1. Ash Street & West Elm Street
Ash Street and West Elm Street is one of the most dangerous intersections in Brockton. MassDOT crash data shows 56 reported collisions here in just three years, 29 of which involved serious injuries or fatalities. This high crash rate is due to a combination of heavy traffic volume, complex signal timing, and limited sight distances. A majority of these accidents involve drivers failing to yield or running red lights.
2. Pleasant Street & West Street
The Pleasant and West Street intersection has a long history of accidents. Even though the city has invested in several infrastructure improvements, like updated traffic signals, accidents are still common. The area’s multiple lanes and heavy turning traffic during peak commuting hours can make navigating this intersection particularly challenging.
3. Court Street & Montello Street
This intersection is located in a busy downtown corridor, and it saw 43 crashes in a recent three-year study period, with nearly half resulting in injury. This intersection experiences significant vehicle and pedestrian traffic. On-street parking, frequent crosswalk use, and congestion increase the risk of both vehicle collisions and pedestrian accidents.
4. Belmont Street/Belmont Avenue & Manomet Street
Over the last five years, 72 crashes have been reported at the junction of Belmont Street, Belmont Avenue, and Manomet Street. City authorities are discussing the installation of a traffic light at the intersection to help reduce the frequency of crashes. The risk factors at this junction include limited left-hand turn lanes, speeding, and drivers merging without adequate clearance.
5. Montello Station/Main Street pedestrian zone
The area surrounding the Montello MBTA commuter rail station and Main Street is a known pedestrian danger zone. Safety audits have found worn pavement markings, malfunctioning pedestrian signals, and missing signage. Brockton has recorded dozens of serious pedestrian accidents at this intersection. The Montello Station area is one of the highest risk zones for pedestrian accidents because of the mix of foot traffic and vehicle congestion.
Common risk factors at Brockton’s most dangerous intersections
Although each location has its own unique issues, we can see several themes:
- Large numbers of vehicles increase the likelihood of collisions.
- Poor sight lines, inadequate turning lanes, and complex lane arrangements lead to driver misjudgments.
- Speeding, distracted driving, and running red lights are frequent causes of crashes.
- Faded crosswalks, missing signs, and poor lighting put pedestrians at greater risk.
Staying safe at high-risk intersections
To better avoid accidents at these dangerous intersections, keep the following in mind:
- Slow down and approach known danger zones with caution, especially during rush hour or in poor weather.
- Put your phone away and stay alert for sudden stops or lane changes.
- Yield to pedestrians at marked crosswalks and check blind spots before turning.
- Come to complete stops at red lights and avoid attempting to “beat” yellow lights.
- Damaged lights, obstructed signs, or faded markings should be reported to the City of Brockton’s public works department.
Talk to our Brockton car accident lawyers after a crash
Car accidents at these hazardous intersections often result in serious injuries and significant financial burdens. Establishing fault often requires reviewing police reports, traffic camera footage, roadway design records, and eyewitness testimony. Our experienced Brockton car accident attorneys can:
- Investigate the cause of your accident
- Collect and preserve critical evidence
- Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
- Pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering
At The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan, we understand the unique risks posed by Brockton’s most dangerous intersections and have decades of experience helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve.
The top five most dangerous intersections in Brockton share common risk factors like heavy traffic, poor visibility, and mixed-use traffic patterns. By staying alert, driving defensively, and understanding where these hazards exist, you can reduce your risk of being involved in a collision. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, contact The Law Offices of Gerald J. Noonan for a free consultation. Our team is ready to protect your rights and pursue the justice you deserve. Simply call our Massachusetts offices or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation.