Atlanta’s Most Crash-Prone Intersections (And How to Stay Safe)

Summer in Atlanta means heat, family time, and for many of us, more time on the road. Between pool weekends and quick escapes to Lake Oconee, my family has been making the most of the season—Julian even went tubing for the first time and loved it, while Suzy is happily discovering the world one snack (or toy) at a time.

But all that driving has reminded me of something important: Atlanta has some notoriously dangerous areas for car crashes. Whether you're commuting through the city or heading out for summer fun, it’s worth knowing which intersections and highways demand extra caution.

Atlanta’s Most Dangerous Intersections

According to Georgia Department of Transportation crash data, these five intersections had the highest number of reported collisions between 2020 and 2024:

• Northside Dr & Marietta St – 611 crashes

• Piedmont Rd & Peachtree Rd – 564 crashes

• Northside Dr & 14th St – 448 crashes

• Boulevard NE & Freedom Parkway – 401 crashes

• Ponce de Leon Ave & Moreland Ave / Briarcliff Rd – 339 crashes

Atlanta's Most Dangerous Intersection: Northside Drive and Marietta Street

What do these intersections have in common? They’re located along busy corridors with high-speed traffic, multiple lanes, and complex layouts—conditions that make crashes more likely, especially when drivers are distracted or aggressive.

And while crash counts give us one perspective, remember: the number of vehicles passing through also matters. A full risk assessment would also consider traffic volume and severity of crashes, but these locations still stand out for their danger.

Atlanta Highway Hotspots

In addition to intersections, Atlanta’s highways are especially risky. The Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85) and I-20, particularly near exits like 10th, 14th, and 17th Streets and Moreland Avenue, are frequent sites of high-speed collisions. Congestion, constant merging, and distracted drivers create a perfect storm for accidents.

If you regularly drive these routes, give yourself extra time and space. Staying calm and alert can make all the difference.

Safety Tip of the Month: Be Cautious with Left Turns

Left turns at busy intersections are among the most common causes of crashes. Even when you're following the rules, limited visibility and fast-moving oncoming traffic can make a simple turn dangerous.

Here are a few tips:

• Use intersections with protected left turn arrows whenever possible.

• Avoid turning on yellow—you never know how fast the next car is coming.

• Don’t assume cross traffic will stop just because your light is green. Wait until you’re sure all lanes have fully cleared.

Final Thoughts

Crash statistics might seem abstract—until you realize they're happening right in your neighborhood, on streets you travel every day. The good news is that awareness is powerful. With a few smart choices—like choosing safer routes, slowing down, and staying focused—you can reduce your risk significantly.

And if you or a loved one is injured in a car accident, I’m here to help. At Flack Injury Law, I fight for my clients to ensure they get the care and compensation they deserve.

Call or text me anytime at (678) 653-0309

Or email: flack@flackinjurylaw.com

Stay safe out there,

Jonathan Flack