Numerous factors that are technically outside of someone’s control can influence their level of risk of being injured in a crash. Timing is an important consideration, for example, as there are certain days of the year times of day when collisions are more likely to occur. The training or experience of the driver, the condition of the vehicle and even the weather can all directly affect the likelihood and the severity of a crash.
Location is also an important consideration. Long Island experiences quite a few major collisions each year, some of which are far worse than others. There are certain intersections where collisions are more likely to occur, and those who are familiar with these high-risk areas around Long Island can more easily avoid them or navigate them safely.
What intersections see the highest number of crashes?
Traffic records make it clear that some locations are far more dangerous than others. It may be the overall density of traffic, meaning the number of vehicles that travel through the area, that exacerbates crash risk. Other times, it may be road design issues, like blind corners or inadequate traffic signage, that increase local risk.
The third most dangerous intersection is where South Oyster Bay Expressway crosses Syosset, where 100 crashes in 2021. The second-place title goes to Searingtown Road’s intersection with North Hills, where 110 collisions occurred. Finally, the most dangerous Long Island intersection is where South Oyster Bay Road intersects with Soysset. This location saw 129 crashes in 2021.
North Hills appears again on the list in place number nine, where it intersects with North Hyde Park Roads. Jericho is also on the list twice, with its intersection with North Broadway taking fourth place, while its intersection with the Jericho Turnpike sits in eighth place. Roslyn Heights also has two of its intersections on the list, in sixth and seventh places respectively.
How can drivers use this information?
Obviously, simply staying off of some of the busiest streets in Long Island is not a reasonable response to learning about where the worst crashes occur. However, drivers can frequently choose to minimize how often they pass through those dangerous intersections and may choose to avoid them at more dangerous times of day, such as during the afternoon rush hour or after the sun has set for the evening.
Those who know where their risk is the highest may have an easier time implementing harm reduction techniques to maximize their safety in traffic. Being more defensive when approaching an intersection known for high rates of motor vehicle collisions can help people avoid contributing to the continuation of disturbing statistics.