Key Takeaways:
- Nevada’s intersection fatality rate is 40% higher than the national average.
- North Commerce Street and West Craig Road is the most dangerous intersection in North Las Vegas and in the entire state of Nevada.
- South Decatur Boulevard and West Oakey Boulevard is the most dangerous intersection in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- West Sunset Road and Whitney Ranch Drive is the most dangerous intersection in Henderson, Nevada.
- Keystone Avenue and West 4th Street is the most dangerous intersection in Reno, Nevada.
- Las Vegas has the highest intersection crash rate per 1,000 residents at 50.7, along with the highest average danger index score, among the highest-ranking intersections, in the state.
- Among Nevada’s major cities, Henderson has the lowest intersection crash rate per 1,000 residents. Las Vegas has the highest.
- Notably, over 1 in 10 intersection crashes were hit-and-runs, presenting additional challenges for victims and authorities alike.
Between 2019 and 2023, Nevada reported a total of 190,820 car collisions, with 28% occurring at intersections. While this percentage is below the national average—where intersection crashes account for about 40% of all accidents—the fatality rate for intersection collisions in Nevada is 40% higher than the national average. This suggests that navigating Nevada’s intersections requires extra attention.
For this reason, we analyzed over 50,000 intersection-related crashes from 2019 to 2023 to identify which crossings pose the greatest risks and should be approached with the most caution.
[Interactive Map] The Most Dangerous Intersections in Nevada
The map above shows the 50 most dangerous intersections in Nevada along with all intersection-related crashes from 2019-2023. Use mouse wheel or touch gestures to zoom in and hover over each dot to reveal more detail.
In creating our ranking, we considered each intersection’s number of crashes, injuries, fatalities, hit-and-runs, crashes involving alcohol, and crashes involving pedestrians, resulting in a comprehensive danger index. Our Nevada-specific results are presented by state, by major city with populations over 250,000, and include a major city-by-city average danger index comparison.
The 50 Riskiest Intersections Across Nevada
On September 10, 2024, a tragic crash claimed the life of a 78-year-old passenger in North Las Vegas after their vehicle collided with a pickup truck. Two others, including both drivers, sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The crash occurred at North Commerce Street and West Craig Road, the most dangerous intersection in Nevada, according to our analysis. Below, we highlight the other intersections that follow in our ranking.
In total, 54,302 individuals were injured from intersection-related crashes, representing 39% of all crash-related injuries in the state over the five-year period. Furthermore, over one in 10 (12%) intersection crashes were hit-and-runs. West Craig Road and North Commerce Street was the site of 91 crashes over a five-year period, including three alcohol-related crashes, 11 hit-and-runs, and 118 injuries. The site holds the highest number of crashes, injuries, and hit-and-runs for all Nevada intersections.
At this intersection sits Craig Ranch Regional Park, a 170-acre outdoor space that hosts a wide range of activities and events, including a skate park, sports fields, and civic plazas. Within two miles of the intersection are two high schools and an elementary school, with several other schools nearby. The combination of schools, residential neighborhoods, shopping centers, and the park’s role as a community hub attracts significant vehicle traffic. This heavy activity, particularly during school hours, park events, and concerts likely contributes to the increased risk of collisions in the area.
The runner-up is another North Las Vegas intersection on Craig Road: East Craig Road and North 5th Street. Located just 1.7 miles from the most dangerous intersection, this site likely experiences similar traffic dynamics. It has been the scene of 76 crashes, including one alcohol-related incident, eight hit-and-runs, 85 injuries, and one fatality.
To round out the top three most dangerous intersections, we have West Desert Inn Road and South Jones Boulevard in Las Vegas, which saw 51 collisions with 5 alcohol-related crashes, two hit-and-runs, and 92 injuries. These roads serve as key arterial routes, linking local streets to the freeway system. Their connection to freeways increases traffic volumes, contributing to a higher incidence of crashes.
Additionally, while not directly on The Strip, Desert Inn Road runs parallel to it and is a key access road. Another notable intersection in our ranking that can be found near the Las Vegas strip includes South Valley View Blvd and West Twain Ave, which ranks 24th overall. It is the most dangerous intersection in our list closest to the Las Vegas Strip, located just 1.5 miles away.
To reduce crashes, measures such as improved traffic signals, clearer lane markings, and better signage could help. Adding speed-reduction tactics, like cameras or speed bumps, may also lower crash rates.
Top Dangerous Intersections in Nevada’s Major Cities
Next, we took a closer look at the most dangerous intersections in Nevada’s major cities with populations over 250,000, just as we did with the statewide analysis. Those cities are Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, and Reno.
Half of these Las Vegas intersections are within a 5-mile radius of the Las Vegas Strip. This area experiences heavy traffic due to tourism. In addition to the large influx of transportation services for guests, many tourists navigate the roads themselves, often with limited awareness of local traffic dynamics and road layouts. Notably, the intersection at South Decatur Boulevard and West Oakey Boulevard has been identified as the most dangerous in Las Vegas, recording 54 crashes—five involving alcohol and one resulting in pedestrian injury. There were also two hit-and-run incidents, 82 injuries, and two fatalities.
Henderson’s suburban setting reflects a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational traffic. Thus, the traffic typically includes local commuters, families, and shoppers, and intersections near school zones, shopping centers, and recreational establishments are often associated with higher crash rates.
The analysis reveals that South Eastern Avenue and West Horizon Ridge Pkwy is the most dangerous intersection, with a total of 34 crashes recorded during the five-year study period. Of these, 4 were alcohol-related, and one involved nearby pedestrians. This intersection is particularly concerning, as it resulted in 22 injuries and four hit-and-run incidents. It is surrounded by shopping plazas and medical centers, and its higher crash rate indicates a pressing need for improved safety measures and community awareness to mitigate the risks involved.
North Las Vegas sees a combination of residential, commercial, and industrial traffic, rather than any significant tourist traffic like its neighboring city. Several of these intersections include major local arterial roads, such as Craig Road, Martin Luther King Boulevard, and Lake Mead Boulevard, which serve as key routes for daily commuters and local businesses. Craig Road, in particular, spans across the northern part of the city, connecting various neighborhoods, retail centers, and industrial areas, making it a hotspot for congestion. The most dangerous intersection in Nevada is also the most dangerous intersection in North Las Vegas, located at West Craig Road and North Commerce Street.
Reno’s crash patterns reflect its unique position as both a major commercial hub and a gateway to Lake Tahoe and California. The most dangerous intersection lies at Keystone Avenue and West 4th Street, with 44 crashes, 36 injuries. Among these crashes, two were hit-and-runs, two involved alcohol, and one involved pedestrians. This intersection was also the only one to appear in the top fifty most dangerous intersections in Nevada, ranked 48th.
Intersection Safety: City Comparisons
This section compares crash rates per 1,000 residents and each city’s average danger index, focusing on the top 10 most dangerous intersections over a five-year period. The goal is to provide insights into intersection danger relative to the size of each city.
Las Vegas has recorded the highest number of intersection crashes in Nevada with 33,746, and a crash rate of 50.7 per 1,000 residents. It also ranks highest for the average danger index among its top 10 intersections at 262.7. We can expect a higher average danger index score given the overall high volume of crashes; however, this also indicates that the crash incidents are localized to specific intersections, highlighting trends where certain areas are more dangerous than others.
In contrast, Henderson’s data illustrates that population size is not the sole predictor of crash rates and danger measures. Despite its larger population, Henderson has the lowest figures of all of Nevada’s major cities, even lower than Reno’s 6,746 crashes and 24.2 crash rate per 1,000 residents. This discrepancy may be influenced by several factors: Henderson’s greater distance from major tourist destinations like the Las Vegas Strip and Harry Reid International Airport, its predominantly residential character, and its newer, more deliberately planned roadway infrastructure compared to older urban cores like Reno’s Midtown or Downtown areas.
Meanwhile, North Las Vegas, with significantly fewer intersection crashes (7,151) than Las Vegas (33,746), exhibits an average danger index score that closely aligns with Las Vegas’s score at 258.5, a 4.2 point difference. Notably, North Las Vegas is home to the most dangerous intersection in Nevada, which has a danger index score of 479. This suggests that some intersections in North Las Vegas are comparably dangerous, if not more so, than those in Las Vegas. Given the area’s appeal to visitors, it is crucial to navigate these cities with heightened awareness and defensive driving skills.
Reno reports 6,746 intersection crashes, with a crash rate of 24.2 per 1,000 residents, and an average danger index score of 125. While these figures are lower than those of Las Vegas and North Las Vegas, they still indicate significant safety concerns that merit attention from city planners and traffic safety officials.
Navigating Nevada’s Intersection Challenges
Our analysis highlights that the most dangerous intersection in Nevada is located in North Las Vegas, specifically at North Commerce Street and West Craig Road. While Las Vegas boasts the highest total number of crashes, crash rate per 1,000 residents, and average danger index score among its top 10 intersections, none of these hazardous locations are situated directly on the famed Las Vegas Strip, which may defy expectations. Instead, the highest-ranking danger was found in North Las Vegas. In contrast, intersections in Henderson and Reno present a comparatively safer profile, indicating that factors such as traffic dynamics and urban planning play a significant role in intersection safety.
To address these concerning crash statistics, Nevada has already taken several proactive measures. The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has installed roundabouts in place of traditional intersections to reduce conflict points. Meanwhile, the city of Las Vegas is advancing its Vision Zero initiative, a European-origin strategy aimed at eliminating all traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries by 2050. By continuing to build on these initiatives and exploring new strategies, Nevada can make significant strides toward improving intersection safety across the state.
Methodology
Our analysis covers a five-year period, from 2019 to 2023, encompassing 190,820 reported crashes. Of these, 54,168 crashes occurred at intersections. To identify the most dangerous intersections, we examined 53,486 of these crashes in detail, considering various risk factors. These risk factors were all assigned a weight to sum a final danger index score. The remaining crashes were excluded from the analysis due to missing data fields.
In certain cases, it’s important to note that variations in street name formatting may affect the accuracy of intersection crash counts. These figures are estimates and should be regarded as a minimum.
