Are the streets in Portland, Oregon safe? The answer depends on where you drive, bike, or walk. Traffic accidents in Portland, Oregon, today are highly concentrated on a few dangerous streets.
According to data, 8% of Portland streets account for 62% of traffic deaths during a five-year span. Based on the data, there are thirty dangerous streets and places to avoid in Portland, Oregon. However, these areas are hazardous precisely because people cannot avoid them—they are major roads people must use to commute to work and home.
What Makes an Intersection Dangerous?
Understanding what makes streets in Portland, Oregon, dangerous can help policymakers, residents, and visitors make safer choices and decrease the chance of deadly or consequential traffic accidents. The following are factors that contribute to the danger of Portland’s intersections:
Speed
Speed is the greatest contributor to crashes and their severity. Slower speeds reduce the chance of injury or death when a crash occurs and allow drivers to stop more quickly to avoid an accident altogether. Safe speed limits and obeying posted limits greatly reduce danger.
Traffic Volume
A high volume of auto, bike, and pedestrian traffic leads to more accidents. Common driver errors such as failure to stop or yield, inattention, ignoring traffic signals, or failure to stay in a lane can quickly become accidents with many other vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians present.
Intersection Design
Road or intersection design impacts safety and the likelihood of a crash. Poor or insufficient street lighting and signage, approaches with poor lines of sight, and absence of designated turning lanes all factor into street safety. Intersections that do not have pedestrian crosswalk safety in mind make it more risky and potentially deadly for pedestrians. Intersections with flashing lights and many different businesses, gas stations, and convenience stores on each corner can also contribute to the dangerous intersections.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Activity
Intersections with high pedestrian and cyclist activity elevate the danger because accidents involving either can easily be severe or fatal. Ignoring or not noticing designated bike lanes and crosswalks is extremely dangerous.
The Top 5 Most Dangerous Intersections in Portland
The Portland Bureau of Transportation’s (PBOT) Accident History database compiled data from 2017 to 2021 from the top 100 intersections in Portland. PBOT then ranked them after looking at fatal and injury crashes in each intersection. Based on their findings, the following are the most dangerous intersections in Portland.
#5. Ne Halsey St and NE 122nd Ave
This Portland intersection witnessed over 60 crashes and 47 injuries. It also had one death, making this Portland intersection very dangerous.
#4. SE Powell Blvd and SE 148th Ave
Over the five years measured, this Portland intersection saw 52 traffic accidents that resulted in two deaths and 46 injuries.
#3. SE Powell Blvd and SE 82nd Ave
Though no deaths occurred during five years of recorded data, this intersection tallied over 100 crashes and resulting injuries.
#2. SE Stark St and South East 122nd Ave
SE Stark St and South East 122nd Ave was the deadliest intersection from 2017 to 2021. During this time, three deaths occurred, and six individuals sustained serious injuries. Over 90 people sustained minor to moderate injuries in crashes during this same period.
#1. SE Division St and SE 122nd Ave
The most dangerous intersection had 104 crashes over 5 years, averaging over 20 crashes per year. These crashes resulted in one death, one serious injury, and over 80 minor and moderate injuries.
Safety Tips for Navigating Portland’s Hazardous Intersections
Stay safe when driving through dangerous intersections in Portland by following posted speed limits and road signage. Practice smart defensive driving techniques and:
- Stay alert: Pay attention to your surroundings in front, behind, and beside you.
- Lower your speed: higher speeds lead to more dangerous driving.
- Follow at a safe distance: follow the 3-second rule.
- Cut out distractions: Stay off your phone when behind the wheel.
- Expect Others to Make Mistakes
If walking through these intersections, follow pedestrian safety tips like crossing at a crosswalk, making eye contact with drivers before crossing, and staying alert and off your phone to increase walking safety.
What to Do If You’re Involved in an Accident at a Portland Intersection
If you are involved in a traffic accident in Portland, you must do the following:
- Stop at Once: Stop at the accident scene or as close as possible without blocking or endangering other traffic.
- Render Aid: Call 911 and report the accident, even if there are no injured persons at the scene. If there are injuries, aid if possible, and do not move an injured person. Remain at the scene until help arrives.
- Exchange Information: Give and receive information from other drivers, passengers, pedestrians, or cyclists involved, including name, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information. Take pictures of the cars involved, the scene, skid marks, debris, and other evidence.
- Report the Accident to the DMV
- Consider Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer in Portland
Car accidents can be traumatic, and the aftermath is difficult to navigate. Consulting an experienced Portland personal injury attorney will provide the legal assistance needed to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact Swanson, Lathen, Prestwich, PC for a free consultation and ensure you’re protected and represented right.