Each year, thousands of crashes occur on North Carolina roads, many resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. In 2023 alone, Raleigh reported over 23,000 crashes, with Capital Boulevard once again ranked as the state’s most dangerous roadway. The North Carolina Department of Transportation’s latest data identifies the city’s highest-risk intersections for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, helping guide safety upgrades and awareness efforts across the region.
Every year, thousands of crashes occur on North Carolina roads. While many result in only minor damage, too many lead to serious injuries or fatalities. In Raleigh alone, 23,295 crashes were reported in 2023, with 247 people seriously injured and 41 lives lost. Tragically, more than one in four of those fatalities were pedestrians.
To better understand where and why these crashes happen, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) compiles an annual list of the state’s most hazardous intersections, road segments, and bicycle-pedestrian crossings. This list relies on crash data gathered over five years and considers not only the frequency of accidents but also their severity and the resulting injuries.
For the third consecutive year, a section of Capital Boulevard, just north of downtown Raleigh, has been ranked as the most dangerous stretch of roadway in the entire state. While the city uses this information to identify and prioritize safety improvements, drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians can use it to be more cautious or avoid these areas when possible.
These crash rankings do more than highlight risky spots. They help city officials and NCDOT target limited resources toward the most dangerous areas. Programs like Raleigh’s Vision Zero initiative are working to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by combining reactive improvements at known hotspots with proactive planning to prevent crashes before they occur.
Since 2022, Raleigh has partnered with NCDOT to secure over $10 million in funding for pedestrian and traffic safety upgrades at 33 intersections across the city.
While state and local leaders work to make our roadways safer, drivers and pedestrians can also take action:
Intersections like Buffaloe & New Hope, or Capital Boulevard at Calvary Drive, remind us how risky even familiar roads can be. At Henson Fuerst, we’ve seen the devastation intersection crashes bring to victims and their families.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a North Carolina crash, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The trusted Raleigh car accident attorneys at Henson Fuerst are here to protect your rights, hold negligent drivers accountable, and pursue the compensation you need.
Contact us today by submitting a form online or calling our office at (919) 781-1107 for a free legal consultation.