According to the Delaware Department of Transportation, nearly 40% of car accident fatalities and serious injuries between 2015 and 2019 happened at intersections. Given Delaware's limited network of large highways, the state is particularly vulnerable to intersection-related accidents.
At the Law Office of Trapp Nicholl, we analyzed over 490,000 accidents from 2009 to 2023 to determine the intersections with the highest crash rates across the state.
Our Methodology for Identifying High-Risk Intersections
To pinpoint the most dangerous intersections in Delaware, we identified the top 15 locations with the highest number of accidents. From there, we calculated the crash rate for each intersection, selecting the top 10 based on these rates.
An intersection accident is defined as any crash occurring within 300 feet of the intersection. The crash rate is expressed as the number of crashes per 1 million entering vehicles. Our data comes from both the Delaware Department of Transportation and the Federal Department of Transportation.
When and Where do most accidents happen?
According to data from the Delaware Department of Transportation for the years 2015-2019:
- 74% of intersection fatalities and serious injuries occurred in urban areas.
- 51% occurred at intersections without traffic signals.
- 60% of these incidents happened between 1 PM and 10 PM.
- Over 34% of accidents took place on Fridays and Saturdays.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Intersections in Delaware
1. East Main St. and Library Ave., Newark

- Total Accidents: 1,526
- Crash Rate: 2.757
- This intersection in Newark tops the list due to the transition to a one-way road heading west on East Main from Ogletown Road. Combined with multiple smaller side streets, this creates a complex intersection with a high risk of accidents.
2. DE-113 and Bridgeville Rd., Georgetown

- Total Accidents: 997
- Crash Rate: 2.48
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This intersection in Sussex County involves high speeds on Route 113 and poor visibility on Bridgeville Road, making it Delaware's second most dangerous intersection.
3. Pulaski Hwy. and Bear Corbit Rd., Bear

- Total Accidents: 1,155
- Crash Rate: 2.33
- Its proximity to Route 1, multiple shopping center access roads, and several lanes makes this intersection complex and accident-prone.
4. DE-113 and NW 10th St., Milford

- Total Accidents: 886
- Crash Rate: 2.29
- High speeds on Route 113 and complicated divided highway turning lanes from Airport Road and 10th Street increase the risk of collisions.
5. DE-113 and DE-24, Millsboro

- Total Accidents: 881
- Crash Rate: 2.20
- Odd turn lanes, poorly marked street signs for DE-24, and its role as the main entrance to Millsboro from the west lead to frequent accidents.
6. DE-113 and Front St., Milford

- Total Accidents: 870
- Crash Rate: 2.14
- The entrances to four different shopping centers—one on each corner—add complexity and increase the likelihood of accidents.
7. DE-13 and Boulden Blvd., Wilmington Manor

- Total Accidents: 1,174
- Crash Rate: 2.05
- The deep intersection and eight lanes of traffic on DE-13 create significant potential for collisions.
8. MLK Jr Blvd. & King St., Wilmington

- Total Accidents: 1,317
- Crash Rate: 1.89
- This notorious intersection has multiple intersecting streets and high traffic volumes, resulting in a considerable number of accidents.
9. Limestone Rd. and Kirkwood Hwy., Marshallton

- Total Accidents: 1,343
- Crash Rate: 1.65
- Multiple lanes of traffic on both roads, along with numerous business entrances close to the intersection, make it a high-risk area.
10. DE-141 and DE-2, Wilmington

- Total Accidents: 1,319
- Crash Rate: 1.64
- The complexity of the intersection and merging vehicles contribute to it rounding out the top ten most dangerous intersections.
How to Stay Safe at Delaware Intersections
To reduce your risk of being involved in a crash, follow these tips:
- Stay Alert: Pay extra attention when approaching these intersections.
- Obey Traffic Signals: Follow all traffic signs and signals carefully.
- Avoid Distractions: Put away mobile devices to focus on the road.
- Plan Your Route: Know your route in advance to reduce sudden lane changes.
Conclusion
By highlighting these accident hotspots, we aim to raise awareness and encourage drivers to exercise extra caution when navigating these areas. Adhering to traffic laws and practicing safe driving habits can significantly reduce the risk of accidents at these and other intersections across Delaware.
If you've been involved in an intersection accident, contact the Law Office of Trapp Nicholl for a free consultation. Our experienced legal team is ready to help you navigate the complexities of your case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
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