Updated September 2026 by Jonathon Douglas
Denver is home to some of the most dangerous intersections and roadways in Colorado, including heavily traveled stretches of I-25 and I-70. With busy commuter traffic, high-speed roads, complicated intersections, and frequent congestion, drivers in and around Denver face crash risks every day.
Denver also has Colfax Avenue, which has long been identified as one of the city’s highest-crash corridors. Other intersections throughout the city also see a high number of collisions involving drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
In this article, we will discuss which intersections and roads in Denver pose the greatest dangers, what makes these locations especially hazardous, and practical tips for reducing your risk of an accident.
Statistics on Dangerous Intersections in Denver
Denver is one of the fastest growing cities in America over the past decade. Over 115,000 new residents started calling Denver home between 2010 and 2020.
In 2025, 701 people were killed in traffic crashes across Colorado, according to preliminary data from the Colorado Department of Transportation. Denver recorded 76 traffic fatalities, a 21% increase from 2024. Vulnerable road users remain a serious concern as well. In 2025, Colorado recorded 126 pedestrian deaths and 18 bicyclist deaths.
Some areas in Denver also experience higher than average crash rates. An analysis of Denver police crash data shows 19,070 reported crashes in the city during 2025. Rear-end collisions were the most common crash type, accounting for 5,750 crashes, followed by front-to-side collisions with 4,629 crashes. Among crashes with a specific contributing factor recorded, “looked/did not see,” distraction, and aggressive driving were recurring problems.
The Most Dangerous Roads in Denver: I-25 and I-70
Among the most dangerous roads in Denver are I-25 and I-70, where heavy traffic, high speeds, merging vehicles, and congestion can increase crash risks. In 2024, I-70 and I-25 were the two Colorado roadways where State Patrol issued the most citations for drivers traveling at least 20 mph over the speed limit.
I-25 through Denver carries heavy traffic and includes numerous interchanges, merging areas, and high-speed stretches that can increase crash risks.
If you take I-25 through Denver, drive cautiously and remember that it is one of the most dangerous interstates in Colorado. Don’t end up being one of the thousands of car accident injury victims on I-25 every year.
Why Is Denver’s I-25 So Dangerous?
I-25 continues to be one of Colorado’s busiest and most crash-prone highways. Denver’s transportation planning identifies interstate on-ramps and other high-speed transition areas as crash hot spots. The main factors that can make I-25 dangerous include:
- High traffic volumes
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
The speed limit on I-25 varies by location, so drivers should follow the posted speed limit and adjust their speed for traffic and road conditions.
How To Stay Safe on I-25
Here are some tips for increasing safety if you are one of the many drivers who must travel on I-25:
- Put distractions away, especially your cell phone
- Don’t use your phone or other distractions during rush hour(when there’s a lot of stop and go traffic) or slow traffic. Accidents still happen during these times.
- Follow the posted speed limit
- Stay in the right lane to increase your safety
- Always stay focused on the road, and be defensive (be prepared to brake at any given time)
The Most Dangerous Intersections in Denver
Denver’s most dangerous intersections can change from year to year as traffic patterns, construction, and roadway designs change. Earlier Denver Police crash data identified several recurring problem intersections, but newer crash records show that some locations have moved significantly in the rankings.
Based on Denver crash data covering January 1, 2023 through May 12, 2024, the intersections with the highest number of reported crashes were:
- East 56th Avenue and North Tower Road — 41 crashes
- West Mississippi Avenue and South Santa Fe Drive — 40 crashes
- East Hampden Avenue and South Tamarac Drive — 39 crashes
- West Colfax Avenue and North Speer Boulevard — 36 crashes
- South Platte River Drive and West Mississippi Avenue — 36 crashes
- North Quebec Street and East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard — 35 crashes
- East Colfax Avenue and North Colorado Boulevard — 33 crashes
- East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and North Central Park Boulevard — 33 crashes
- South Santa Fe Drive and West Alameda Avenue — 32 crashes
- South Federal Boulevard and West Jewell Avenue — 29 crashes
More recent safety data continues to identify East 56th Avenue and North Tower Road as a serious problem area. A Denver road safety assessment found 143 crashes at the intersection between April 2019 and March 2024, including 11 crashes involving a fatality or serious injury.
Where Are the Most Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians?
Some areas are known for heavy traffic congestion and higher motor vehicle accident rates. But there are some designated intersections that have historically been identified as particularly dangerous for pedestrians. These include:
- South University Boulevard and East Asbury Avenue
- Blake Street and 20th Street
- North Broadway and East 13th Avenue
- North Lincoln and East Colfax
- Market and 20th
Pedestrian safety remains a major concern in Denver and across Colorado. In 2025, Colorado recorded more than 120 pedestrian deaths. Denver safety planning also continues to focus on its High Injury Network, where a disproportionate share of serious and fatal crashes occur.
Other reasons for pedestrian accidents at intersections include:
- A driver turning right or left while a pedestrian is crossing
- A driver continuing through an intersection while a pedestrian is crossing
- A driver failing to follow traffic signals or signs
- Other forms of driver negligence
Most Common Causes of Intersection Accidents in Denver
Driver attention and aggressive behavior continue to contribute to crashes in Denver. Among specific contributing factors recorded in 2025 police crash reports, “looked/did not see” appeared in 2,432 reports, distraction appeared in 1,492, and aggressive driving appeared in 1,091.
In addition to these contributing factors, other common causes of intersection accidents in Denver include:
- Inexperienced drivers
- Aggressive driving
- Drunk driving
- Congested roadways due to an influx of visitors at certain times of the year
- Snow, ice, sleet, and other inclement weather
- Inexperienced driving on frozen terrain
What Should I Do After a Denver Intersection Accident?
The aftermath of a car accident is stressful but it’s a crucial time to get a few things in order. Rather than panicking, contact a knowledgeable Denver car accident attorney who can advise you on the best way to proceed. You’ll need to take certain steps to protect your rights and ensure you can get fair compensation for your damages.
An attorney will help you preserve evidence for your case and advise you to do the following:
- Get medical attention as soon as possible after the accident
- Contact law enforcement to file an official police report
- Get contact information from any nearby witnesses
- Document all forms of damage that results from the accident (including property damage and your injuries)
Do I Have Rights if I’m Hurt in a Dangerous Intersection in Denver?
Colorado’s traffic laws apply regardless of where or how a crash occurs. If you were injured in an accident at a dangerous Denver intersection because another driver was negligent, you may have the right to seek compensation for your losses. Common examples of negligence include speeding, distracted driving, failing to yield, running a red light, following too closely, or making an unsafe turn.
Determining fault after an intersection accident is not always simple. Multiple drivers may give different accounts of what happened, and insurance companies may dispute liability or argue that you were partly responsible. Evidence such as police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, vehicle damage, photographs, and medical records can all play an important role in showing how the crash occurred.
A Denver car accident attorney can investigate the collision, preserve evidence, communicate with the insurance companies, and help establish who was responsible. An attorney can also evaluate the full value of your claim and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means your compensation may be reduced if you were partly at fault for the crash. If your share of fault reaches 50% or more, you generally cannot recover damages. This makes establishing liability especially important in disputed intersection accident claims.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the most dangerous intersection in Denver?
Based on Denver crash data covering January 1, 2023 through May 12, 2024, East 56th Avenue and North Tower Road had the highest number of reported crashes, with 41. A later Denver road safety assessment also identified the intersection as a serious problem area.
Why are some Denver intersections more dangerous than others?
Heavy traffic, speeding, distracted driving, complicated merging patterns, poor visibility, and driver failure to yield can all increase the risk of crashes at Denver intersections. Weather and road conditions can also make certain locations more dangerous.
Are I-25 and I-70 dangerous roads in Denver?
Yes. I-25 and I-70 carry large amounts of traffic and include high-speed stretches, interchanges, and merging areas. In 2024, they were the two Colorado roadways where State Patrol issued the most citations for drivers traveling at least 20 mph over the speed limit.
What should I do after an accident at a dangerous intersection in Denver?
Get medical attention, report the crash to law enforcement, collect contact information from witnesses, and document the vehicles, roadway, injuries, and other evidence when possible. You may also want to speak with a Denver car accident attorney about your legal options.
Can I recover compensation after a Denver intersection accident?
You may be able to recover compensation if another driver’s negligence caused the crash. Depending on the case, compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, property damage, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.
Contact Our Denver Car Accident Attorneys
A crash at a dangerous Denver intersection can leave you dealing with injuries, medical bills, missed work, and questions about who was at fault. You do not have to navigate the insurance process alone.
At Denver Personal Injury Lawyers®, we can investigate the crash, preserve important evidence, deal with the insurance companies, and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to receive. Contact us today for a free initial case review and learn how we can help after a Denver intersection accident.
Making a Difference in the Lives of the People of Denver
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident, we are here to help. As Denver Personal Injury Lawyers, you are our priority, we listen to your needs and provide individual attention from start to finish. Through persistence, experience, and legal expertise, we handle the insurance companies and medical providers so that you can focus on recovering.
For more information please contact us at Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® to schedule a free consultation with an attorney today. We have five convenient locations in Denver and its surrounding areas to better serve you.
Denver Personal Injury Lawyers®
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Denver, CO 80204
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5610 Ward Rd #300
Arvada, CO 80002
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3190 S Vaughn Way St #550
Aurora, CO 80014
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Centennial, CO 80112
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355 S Teller St #200
Lakewood, CO 80226
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