The 5 Most Dangerous Intersections in Tacoma: An Analysis by Our Firm

 

If you drive in Tacoma, you likely have an intersection that you think of as “chaotic and dangerous.” At Car Crash, we went beyond feelings and analyzed actual traffic accident statistics and data to identify the five intersections in Tacoma with the highest crash rates, making them the most dangerous.

Knowing this information is the first step in protecting yourself and your family. Please use extra caution when navigating these intersections.

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Tacoma’s Top 5 High-Accident Intersections

 

1. Pacific Avenue & S 38th Street

Why It’s Dangerous: This is consistently one of Tacoma’s most notorious intersections. A massive volume of traffic, complex signal timing, and cars cutting across multiple lanes lead to constant rear-end and side-impact collisions. Safety Tip: Maintain a longer-than-usual following distance in this area. When the light turns green, take an extra second to check for cross-traffic before proceeding.

2. S 72nd Street & S Hosmer Street

Why It’s Dangerous: This area is known for high speeds and drivers in a hurry due to its proximity to the I-5 on-ramps. Unpredictable lane changes and red-light runners frequently cause serious T-bone accidents. Safety Tip: Defensive driving is a must. Always look both ways before entering the intersection, even on a green light, to check for vehicles running the red.

3. Portland Avenue E & E 72nd Street

Why It’s Dangerous: As a junction of two wide, major arterials, drivers often fail to reduce speed. Visibility can be challenging when making a left turn, creating a high risk of severe collisions with oncoming traffic. Safety Tip: When turning left, never proceed until you are 100% certain the opposing lanes are clear. Do not rush the turn.

4. S Steele Street & S 38th Street (Near the Tacoma Mall)

Why It’s Dangerous: This area is always congested with vehicles entering and exiting the Tacoma Mall. Sudden stops and lane changes from drivers looking for parking cause a very high rate of low-speed collisions. The risk to pedestrians is also significant. Safety Tip: Assume any car around the mall could stop or swerve at any moment. Always be prepared to brake.

5. S 19th Street & S Union Avenue

Why It’s Dangerous: This intersection connects numerous commercial and residential areas, leading to high traffic volume. It becomes a significant bottleneck during commute hours, where driver impatience leads to tailgating and aggressive lane-cutting, causing accidents. Safety Tip: If possible, try to find an alternate route during rush hour. If you must travel through here, give yourself extra time to avoid feeling rushed.

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When Even Careful Driving Isn’t Enough

 

No matter how defensively you drive or how strictly you follow the rules, you can still become the victim of another driver’s negligence at one of these dangerous spots.

At Car Crash, we are local experts who understand the specific challenges and accident patterns of these Tacoma-area roads better than anyone. If you were injured at one of these locations, you need our specialized help. Take the first step toward getting your rights back by scheduling a free consultation today.

 

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