The Most Dangerous Intersections in San Jose, California

GJEL Accident Attorneys is committed to promoting road safety and helping accident victims.

In our ongoing effort to raise awareness about traffic dangers in our community, we’ve analyzed recent crash data to identify the most dangerous intersections in San Jose, California. This information is crucial for residents and city planners to work towards safer streets for everyone.

Understanding the Data

Our analysis is based on crash data from 2022 to the present, providing a current snapshot of traffic safety issues in San Jose. While this data offers valuable insights, it represents reported crashes and may not capture every incident that occurs on our roads.

Our attorneys and researchers at GJEL Accident Attorneys carefully reviewed and analyzed crash data from the City of San Jose’s Open Data Portal to reach these conclusions.

This comprehensive dataset, covering accidents from 2022 to the present, provided crucial insights into traffic safety patterns across San Jose, allowing us to identify the most dangerous intersections in the city.

Here Are The Top 5 Most Dangerous Intersections in San Jose

1. Capitol Expressway & Story Road – 56 crashes
2. Curtner Ave/Tully Road & Monterey Road – 51 crashes
3. Capitol Avenue & McKee Road – 50 crashes
4. King Road & Story Road – 49 crashes
5. Capitol Expressway & Tully Road – 44 crashes

These intersections stand out as particularly hazardous, with Capitol Expressway and Story Road topping the list with 56 crashes. It’s worth noting that Capitol Expressway appears multiple times in the top 5, indicating a high-risk corridor for San Jose drivers.

Identifying High-Risk Areas

After reviewing the crash data from the City of San Jose’s Open Data Portal, we observed that several neighborhoods in San Jose appear to have a higher concentration of dangerous intersections. Based on the frequency of high-crash intersections in these regions, the areas surrounding East San Jose, particularly along Capitol Expressway and Tully Road, as well as the central part of the city near Downtown and Alum Rock, seem to be the most prone to traffic accidents.

Our analysis reveals several key trends:

1. Major Road Clusters: Many dangerous intersections are clustered around major roads such as Capitol Expressway and Tully Road. Due to the volume of vehicles passing through, these high-traffic areas naturally see a greater number of collisions.
2. Frequent Offenders: Story Road, Tully Road, and Monterey Road appear multiple times in the list, suggesting these thoroughfares are particularly accident-prone.
3. Expressway Dangers: The frequent appearance of Capitol Expressway in the list highlights the risks associated with high-speed roads intersecting with local traffic.
4. Complex Intersections: Many of these dangerous spots involve meeting multiple major roads, creating complex traffic patterns that can confuse or challenge drivers.

Complete List of Top 20 Dangerous Intersections

Here’s a list of the top 20 crash areas in San Jose, along with the number of crashes and a brief description of each area:

1. Capitol Ex & Story Rd – 56 crashes. This intersection is a major junction in East San Jose, known for heavy traffic during commute hours.
2. Curtner Ave/Tully Rd & Monterey Rd – 51 crashes. A complex intersection where three major roads meet, creating potential confusion for drivers.
3. Capitol Ave & McKee Rd – 50 crashes. Located in Alum Rock, this intersection sees high volumes of both local and through traffic.
4. King Rd & Story Rd – 49 crashes. A busy intersection in the heart of East San Jose, surrounded by numerous businesses and residences.
5. Capitol Ex & Tully Rd—44 crashes is another major junction on Capitol Expressway, known for high-speed traffic merging with local roads.
6. Blossom Hill Rd & Snell Ave – 44 crashes. A key intersection in South San Jose, serving residential and commercial areas.
7. Capitol Expressway & Senter Road – 41 crashes. This intersection connects Capitol Expressway with a major north-south artery in San Jose.
8. King Rd & Tully Rd – 38 crashes. A crucial crossroads in East San Jose is often congested during peak hours.
9. Senter Rd & Tully Rd – 34 crashes. This intersection is a gateway to several neighborhoods in South San Jose.
10. Bayshore Fr & Tully Rd – 33 crashes. A high-traffic area where a major freeway meets a busy local road.
11. McLaughlin Ave & Tully Rd – 31 crashes. This intersection is near several schools, potentially increasing pedestrian presence.
12. Berryessa Rd & Capitol Ave—29 crashes. This area has seen increased traffic in recent years and is located near the new Berryessa BART station.
13. Capitol Ex & Snell Ave – 29 crashes. Another busy junction on Capitol Expressway connects with a major north-south road.
14. McLaughlin Ave & Story Rd – 28 crashes. Dense residential areas and local businesses surround this intersection.
15. Bayshore Fr & Capitol Ex – 27 crashes. A complex interchange where a freeway meets an expressway, often experiencing high-speed merging.
16. McKee Rd & White Rd – 26 crashes. Located in Alum Rock, this intersection serves residential and commercial traffic.
17. Capitol Ex & Quimby Rd – 26 crashes. This intersection connects Capitol Expressway with a major east-west road in East San Jose.
18. Jackson Ave & Story Rd – 26 crashes. A busy junction in East San Jose, surrounded by numerous retail establishments.
19. Moorpark Ave & Saratoga Ave – 26 crashes. This intersection in West San Jose experiences heavy traffic, especially during commute hours.
20. Blossom Hill Rd & Monterey Rd – 25 crashes. A significant intersection in South San Jose serves as a gateway to and from southern Santa Clara County.

Factors Contributing to High Crash Rates

While each traffic accident is unique, our crash data analysis reveals several common factors contributing to collisions at San Jose’s most dangerous intersections.

Although we will delve into more specific details using police records and city data in future updates, it’s essential to understand the general causes that frequently lead to accidents in these high-risk areas.

1. High Traffic Volume: Many of these intersections are located on major thoroughfares that experience heavy traffic, especially during peak commute hours. The sheer number of vehicles navigating these junctions increases the likelihood of collisions.
2. Complex Intersection Design: Several top crash sites involve meeting multiple major roads or expressways with local streets. These complex designs can confuse drivers, particularly those unfamiliar with the area.
3. Speed Differentials: Intersections where high-speed roads like Capitol Expressway meet with slower local traffic create dangerous scenarios where drivers must quickly adjust their speeds.
4. Distracted Driving: The prevalence of smartphones and in-car entertainment systems has increased distracted driving incidents. Even a moment of inattention at these busy intersections can have serious consequences.
5. Failure to Obey Traffic Signals: Running red lights or making illegal turns are common causes of accidents, especially at significant, busy intersections.
6. Impaired Driving: Despite ongoing public awareness campaigns, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains a significant factor in many crashes.
7. Poor Visibility: Some accidents occur due to obstructed views, inadequate lighting, or adverse weather conditions that affect visibility.
8. Pedestrian and Cyclist Interactions: Many of these intersections are in areas with significant foot and bicycle traffic. The mix of vehicles and vulnerable road users can lead to serious accidents.
9. Aggressive Driving: Behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, and abrupt lane changes are more likely to result in accidents, especially in high-stress traffic environments.
10. Vehicle Malfunctions: While less common, issues like brake failures or tire blowouts can cause accidents, particularly on high-speed roads like expressways.

It’s important to note that these factors often interplay, with multiple causes contributing to a single accident.

As we continue our in-depth analysis of police records and city data, we aim to provide more specific insights into the primary causes of accidents at each of San Jose’s most dangerous intersections.

This detailed understanding will be crucial in developing targeted strategies to improve road safety across the city.

Read more about the top causes of car accidents here.

Impact of Road Infrastructure

The prevalence of expressways and major roads in our list suggests that certain types of road infrastructure may contribute to higher crash rates. Intersections that combine high-speed traffic with multiple lanes and turning options seem particularly prone to accidents.

Safety Tips for Drivers

While city planners work on long-term solutions, here are some tips for staying safe at these high-risk intersections:

1. Stay Alert: Put away distractions and focus on the road, especially when approaching known dangerous intersections.
2. Obey Traffic Signals: Never run red lights or try to beat a yellow light.
3. Use Turn Signals: Clearly communicate your intentions to other drivers.
4. Be Patient: Rushing through intersections increases the risk of collisions.
5. Expect the Unexpected: Be prepared for other drivers to make sudden moves or mistakes.

What to Do If You’re in an Accident

If you’re involved in an accident at one of these intersections:

1. Ensure everyone’s safety and call for medical help if needed.
2. Document the scene and gather witness information.
3. Report the accident to the police and your insurance company.
4. Consult a San Jose car accident lawyer to understand your rights and options.

Understanding the most dangerous intersections in San Jose is crucial for improving road safety in our community. We can make our roads safer by being aware of these high-risk areas and practicing safe driving habits.

Have You Been Injured in a San Jose Car Accident?

If you’ve been seriously injured in a car accident within the past two years and haven’t yet spoken with a lawyer, you may be entitled to significant compensation.

At GJEL Accident Attorneys, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious accident can take on you and your family. Don’t let insurance companies undervalue your claim or pressure you into a quick settlement.

Our experienced San Jose car accident lawyers are here to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. We have a proven track record of success, with millions recovered for our clients.

Don’t wait another day to get the legal representation you need. Contact GJEL Accident Attorneys now for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available 24/7 to hear your story and discuss your options.

Call us at +1 408-955-9000 or visit our office at 1625 The Alameda #511, San Jose, CA 95126.

Remember, there’s no fee unless we win your case. Don’t let time run out on your claim – reach out to GJEL Accident Attorneys today and take the first step towards justice and recovery.