Driving in Virginia has its scenic perks, but let’s face it—some intersections are downright dangerous. Whether it’s due to poor design, heavy congestion, or bad driver habits, these spots rack up accidents year after year. If you’re commuting, road-tripping, or just cruising through the Commonwealth, knowing where the trouble spots are can help you stay safe (and avoid some serious insurance hikes). Here are the 10 most dangerous intersections in Virginia you’ll want to steer clear of.
Braddock
Braddock Road & Route 28 (Centreville)
This intersection is a known nightmare in Northern Virginia. With multiple turning lanes, rush hour gridlock, and aggressive drivers, it’s a hotspot for fender benders and serious crashes. Add in confusing traffic signals and it’s a recipe for road rage.
Broad
Broad Street & Staples Mill Road (Richmond)
Located near busy shopping centers and a major train station, this intersection sees a heavy mix of pedestrians, cars, and buses. The lanes are tight, the signals are oddly timed, and people are always in a rush. It’s messy even on a good day.
Jefferson
Jefferson Avenue & Mercury Boulevard (Newport News)
Locals call this one a danger zone. It’s wide, fast-moving, and often congested with both commercial and commuter traffic. Accidents here are frequent—especially rear-end collisions caused by sudden stops.
Hull
Hull Street Road & Courthouse Road (Chesterfield)
This area has grown fast, but the road system hasn’t kept up. Left turns are chaotic, lanes are poorly marked, and impatient drivers don’t help. It’s one of the most dangerous suburban intersections south of Richmond.
Sudley
Sudley Road & Sudley Manor Drive (Manassas)
Between heavy commuter traffic, nearby shopping, and awkward merge lanes, this spot is a crash magnet. It’s especially bad during weekends and evening rush hours. Drivers new to the area often find it overwhelming.
Military
Military Highway & Northampton Boulevard (Norfolk)
An old-school intersection that hasn’t aged well. Traffic flies through, turning lanes are confusing, and signal cycles don’t always match traffic flow. Locals know to avoid it during peak hours—if possible.
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach Blvd & Independence Blvd (Virginia Beach)
High speeds, dense traffic, and constant merging make this a major risk zone. With retail and entertainment centers nearby, this intersection stays packed day and night. Accidents are common, and road rage isn’t rare either.
Route 1
Route 1 & Route 234 (Prince William County)
This spot combines highway traffic with local congestion, making it unpredictable. Add limited visibility and aggressive merging, and you’ve got one of the riskiest intersections in the region.
Midlothian
Midlothian Turnpike & Huguenot Road (Richmond)
Another retail-heavy location with poor lane discipline and overwhelming traffic. Accidents are frequent due to impatient left turns and poorly timed lights. Avoid during rush hours or weekends.
Route 29
Route 29 & Hydraulic Road (Charlottesville)
While Charlottesville isn’t huge, this intersection gets messy. Lots of student drivers, highway speeds, and stop-and-go congestion make it a tricky one. It’s also a known red-light runner hotspot.
Here’s a quick table to help you visualize:
| Intersection | City/Town | Key Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Braddock Rd & Rt 28 | Centreville | Rush hour chaos, bad signals |
| Broad St & Staples Mill Rd | Richmond | Congestion, poor timing |
| Jefferson Ave & Mercury Blvd | Newport News | Fast-moving, dense traffic |
| Hull St Rd & Courthouse Rd | Chesterfield | Bad markings, turn chaos |
| Sudley Rd & Sudley Manor Dr | Manassas | Heavy traffic, bad merges |
| Military Hwy & Northampton Blvd | Norfolk | Confusing layout |
| VA Beach Blvd & Independence Blvd | Virginia Beach | High-speed merging |
| Rt 1 & Rt 234 | Prince William | Limited visibility |
| Midlothian Tpke & Huguenot Rd | Richmond | Poor light timing |
| Rt 29 & Hydraulic Rd | Charlottesville | Red-light running |
Knowing where these risky intersections are can save you from a crash—or at least a frustrating detour. Plan ahead, use GPS with traffic alerts, and when in doubt, take the safer route. It might add a few extra minutes, but your bumper (and your blood pressure) will thank you.
FAQs
Which Virginia intersection has the most crashes?
Braddock Road & Route 28 in Centreville ranks near the top.
Is Route 1 & 234 a safe crossing?
No, it’s known for heavy traffic and visibility issues.
Why is Broad Street so dangerous?
It mixes pedestrians, buses, and speeding traffic.
Are there cameras at these intersections?
Some, yes—especially in high-risk urban areas.
Can I report unsafe intersections in VA?
Yes, report them to VDOT or your local traffic office.
