Top 5 Most Dangerous Intersections in Arvada for Drivers

Jul 07, 2025

Arvada has several busy intersections that present challenges for drivers daily. Understanding which locations have the highest risk is essential for navigating the city more safely.

The top five most dangerous intersections in Arvada are identified based on accident frequency, traffic volume, and reported hazards. These spots have shown consistent safety concerns, making awareness crucial for all drivers in the area.

Overview of Dangerous Intersections in Arvada

Traffic Accident Statistics in Arvada

Recent data shows that intersections in Arvada account for a significant portion of the city’s traffic accidents. For example, the intersection of Wadsworth Blvd and 64th Ave has recorded over 150 collisions in the past two years alone.

Statistics from the Arvada Police Department indicate that rear-end and left-turn collisions are the most common types at busy intersections. Peak hours, primarily between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., see a spike in incidents.

Annual reports highlight that intersections with traffic signals tend to have fewer severe crashes, but the frequency of minor collisions remains high. Pedestrian-involved accidents also occur but represent a smaller percentage.

Factors Leading to Intersection Risks

Several factors increase dangers at specific Arvada intersections. High traffic volume, especially during rush hours, often leads to congestion and impatience among drivers. Complex intersection layouts and poor visibility also contribute. Some intersections lack adequate signage or have faded road markings, creating confusion.

Driver behavior, including speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield, plays a crucial role. Weather conditions like rain or snow exacerbate these issues by reducing traction and visibility. Infrastructure limitations, such as insufficient turn lanes or outdated signal timing, further compound accident risks at these locations.

Top 5 Most Dangerous Intersections for Drivers

The top five intersections in Arvada pose distinct challenges due to factors like traffic volume, road design, and signal timing. Examining each intersection’s layout, accident history, and hazard points reveals what contributes to their risk.

Detailed Locations and Layouts

The five intersections are:

Wadsworth Blvd & 72nd Ave – A busy arterial with multiple lanes and frequent left turns causes congestion and confusion.
Ward Rd & 64th Ave – Features skewed angles and limited sight lines, complicating driver judgment.
Ralston Rd & Kipling Pkwy – Has a high volume of turning movements without dedicated turn signals.
Grandview Ave & Ralston Rd – A mix of commercial access points and heavy traffic results in unpredictable stops.
59th Ave & Simms St – Known for high-speed approaches and minimal pedestrian infrastructure.

Each intersection includes multiple lanes, turning options, and varying signal phases, which can increase conflict points and driver errors.

Historical Accident Data

Accident records from the past five years show these intersections have consistently higher crash rates than others in Arvada.

At Wadsworth Blvd & 72nd Ave, rear-end collisions make up 45% of crashes, often during peak hours. Ward Rd & 64th Ave has many angle crashes linked to poor visibility.

Ralston Rd & Kipling Pkwy has a notable number of side-impact crashes related to left turns without protected signals.

Grandview Ave & Ralston Rd has mixed collision types, including pedestrian incidents, due to heavy commercial traffic.

59th Ave & Simms St reports high-speed run-off-road crashes, influenced by limited shoulder space and lighting.

Identifying Potential Hazards

Key hazards include complex lane arrangements, limited sight distances, and inconsistent signal timing.

At Wadsworth Blvd & 72nd Ave, left-turn lanes are narrow and often backed up, causing sudden stops.

Ward Rd & 64th Ave’s skewed intersection creates blind spots for approaching drivers, increasing side collision risk.

At Ralston Rd & Kipling Pkwy, the lack of protected left turns encourages risky maneuvers.

Grandview Ave & Ralston Rd experiences frequent jaywalking and abrupt turns from commercial vehicles.

59th Ave & Simms St faces issues with speeding and poor lighting, reducing driver reaction times at night.

Drivers must remain alert to these conditions to mitigate collision risks.

How Drivers Can Stay Safe at Arvada’s Most Dangerous Intersections

Safe Driving Strategies

Drivers should approach these intersections at or below the posted speed limits to maintain control and increase reaction time. Maintaining a safe following distance of at least three seconds is essential to avoid rear-end collisions.

Using signals well in advance gives other drivers clear intentions, reducing confusion. When turning, especially left turns without dedicated signals, drivers should fully stop and yield to oncoming traffic before proceeding.

It is important to avoid distractions such as mobile phones or adjusting controls. At complex intersections, choosing the correct lane well before reaching the junction helps prevent last-minute lane changes.

Photo of Driver Injured in a Car Accident

Recognizing and Responding to Hazards

Drivers must watch for pedestrians and bicyclists who may be crossing irregularly or using marked crosswalks. Paying attention to traffic lights and road signs, especially flashing yellow signals or warning signs, can prevent misunderstandings.

Recognizing aggressive or inattentive drivers early allows for safer reactions, such as slowing down or increasing following distance. Drivers should be prepared to stop quickly if other vehicles run red lights or fail to yield.

In poor weather or low visibility, increased caution is critical. Using headlights and reducing speed, especially at intersections with limited sightlines, further enhances safety.

Legal and Community Support After Intersection Accidents

Support after an accident extends beyond immediate medical care. It includes legal assistance to protect victims’ rights and guidance on steps to take for insurance and claims.

Smith & Weidinger PLLC’s Commitment to Road Safety

Smith & Weidinger PLLC actively advocates for safer road conditions in Arvada. Our firm provides legal representation to drivers injured in intersection accidents, helping them navigate complex insurance and liability issues.

We work with local authorities and community groups to promote traffic safety measures. Our goal is to reduce accident rates by supporting victims and preventive initiatives. This dual focus helps ensure better outcomes for those affected by dangerous intersections.

Legal Steps After a Car Accident

If involved in an intersection accident, the first step is to ensure safety and report the incident to law enforcement. Collecting evidence such as photos, witness contacts, and police reports is crucial.

Victims should notify their insurance companies promptly and consider consulting a lawyer experienced in traffic accident cases. Legal counsel can assist in assessing fault, managing claims, and negotiating compensation for injuries or damages.

Timely legal action helps preserve rights and increases the chance of receiving fair settlements or court decisions.

Note: The information provided in this blog post has been compiled from publicly available and secondary sources. While we strive for accuracy, some details may become outdated or contain inadvertent errors. If you believe any information is incorrect or requires updating, please contact Smith & Weidinger so that we may review and make the appropriate corrections.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a solicitation for business. The photo used is not from the scene of the incident described. Viewing this content does not create an attorney-client relationship with Smith & Weidinger. If you have been injured in an accident, please seek immediate medical attention and then consult with a qualified attorney to discuss your legal rights and options.