Whether you’re driving to work or taking a short trip to the grocery store, it’s likely that you’ll pass through a number of intersections during your journey. While we may think of highways and other high-speed roadways as the most likely places for serious car crashes to occur, intersections can pose considerable risk to motorists, pedestrians, and bikers alike. Intersections that are poorly designed, not adequately controlled, dimly lit at night, or prone to experiencing distracted drivers may experience frequent collisions.

A study on Sacramento intersection accidents recently published by Jacoby & Meyers highlights the dangers faced by drivers passing through the city based on 2020 – 2024 Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) data. One intersection in particular, Truxel Rd. & Arena Blvd., makes the study’s list of the top fifty most dangerous intersections in the state of California. That intersection, which had thirty separate crashes resulting in one or more injuries, was given a danger score of 52 and ranked the fiftieth-most dangerous intersection in the state. In more positive news, Sacramento experienced a lower proportion of intersection crashes and fatalities than the statewide averages.

Here is a quick breakdown of the top 5 most dangerous intersections according to the study’s data and danger index rating.

Top 5 Most Dangerous Intersections

  1. Arena Bl. & Truxel Rd.

Intersection of Truxel Rd. and Arena Blvd.

This large 41 lane intersection is ranked as the most dangerous intersections in the city of Sacramento, CA. In previous studies over the past decade, this intersection has consistently been rated one of the most dangerous crossroads for crashes. High traffic passing through the area from Sleep Train Area events, Kings games, and regular airport traffic makes for a number of serious collisions every year. From 2020 to 2024, this intersection saw a reported thirty collisions causing some level of injury to at least one victim, earning a danger score of 56.

  1. I St. & 5th St. 

Intersection of I St. & 5th St.

Finishing just slightly below Sacramento’s most dangerous intersection, the meeting of I St. and 5th St. resulted in 28 crashes causing injury during the span of Jacoby & Meyers’ recent study. The intersection earned a danger score of 52, just four points below that of Arena Bld. and Truxel Rd.

  1. Truxel Rd. & Gateway Park Blvd.

Intersection of Truxel Rd. & Gateway Park

For the second time, Truxel Rd. makes the list of Sacramento’s deadliest intersections. The meeting of Truxel Rd. and Gateway Park Blvd. earned a danger score of 50, experiencing 27 injury-causing crashes between 2020 and 2024.

  1. Mack Rd. & Valley Hi Dr.

Intersection of Mack Rd. & Valley Hi Dr.

Despite experiencing less crashes during the study’s timeframe than the intersection at Truxel Rd. and Gateway Park Blvd., this intersection merited an identical danger score of 50. With only 18 crashes noted in the study, the severity of injury-causing collisions at this intersection is particularly notable.

  1. Arden Way & Sears Drwy.

Intersection at Arden Way & Sears Drwy.

The final crossroads on the list of Sacramento’s deadliest intersections received a danger score of 43 after experiencing 20 crashes causing injury from 2020 to 2024. A multilane intersection in front of a now-closed Sears building, the area sees frequent wrecks.

How to Safely Navigate Sacramento Intersections

If the recent study on crashes at intersections in Sacramento tells us anything, it’s that these crossroads can pose a serious risk to the safety of drivers, bikers, and pedestrians alike. The U.S. Department of Transportation offers some intersection safety tips to keep in mind the next time you get behind the wheel.

  • Pay attention to your surroundings. Carefully scan the road in all directions to spot potential hazards, from pedestrians crossing the street to oncoming vehicles that don’t appear to be slowing down. Stay alert for potential signs of road defects, such as uneven paving or large potholes. Do not proceed into the intersection until your path is clear.
  • Be ready to stop. You shouldn’t speed through an intersection, even if it seems to be clear. Be ready to slow down quickly if you spot a pedestrian, roadway obstruction, or other hazard.
  • Don’t tailgate other vehicles. Even if there is no cross-traffic, don’t follow the car in front of you too closely. Tailgating makes it harder for you to see and react to potential hazards.
  • Properly use your turn signals. Using your turn signals helps other drivers, bikers, and motorists correctly anticipate your actions and reduces risk for everyone at the intersection.

We hope these suggestions help you and your loved ones stay safe the next time you cross through a Sacramento intersection!