Top 5 Most Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians in Boston

Boston is known for its high traffic volume, complicated street layouts, and unpredictable drivers–which means walking can be risky. If you suffered injuries in a Boston pedestrian accident, we understand that the experience can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to face it alone. Our experienced pedestrian accident lawyers can help you seek compensation for your injuries.

Knowing which intersections pose the highest risk and understanding how to stay safe can be powerful information. Let’s look at the five most dangerous intersections for pedestrians in Boston and explore some tips for staying safe.

Per the Globe, these five intersections have had the most traffic incidents between 2015 and 2024.

Melnea Cass Boulevard & Massachusetts Avenue (124 crashes)

This intersection has earned a reputation as one of Boston’s most dangerous due to its layout and high-speed traffic. Located in Roxbury, the Melnea Cass Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue intersection sees thousands of vehicles daily, many of which travel at higher speeds. This area is particularly risky because it’s near several hospitals and medical facilities, leading to a mix of traffic that includes ambulances, trucks, and regular vehicles. Pedestrians crossing here are forced to navigate wide lanes and keep an eye out for vehicles making quick turns.

Tips for pedestrians:

• Be mindful of turning vehicles, especially those that may be rushing to nearby medical centers.
• Avoid crossing against the signal, as drivers often focus more on traffic flow than on pedestrians.
• Cross carefully, as drivers in this area are often in a hurry.

If you’ve been injured at this intersection, seek legal advice from a Boston pedestrian accident lawyer who can review traffic and surveillance footage to understand how the accident happened. Our lawyers can also examine driver behavior to determine if speed or reckless driving was a factor.

Albany Street & Massachusetts Avenue (96 crashes)

The intersection of Albany Street and Massachusetts Avenue is another one of the city’s busiest and most accident-prone areas, especially for pedestrians. It features heavy vehicle traffic and is close to many public transportation stops, as well as nearby medical and educational institutions. This area has a high volume of foot traffic, including students, medical staff, and residents. The intersection design, with multiple lanes of traffic and frequent left-turning vehicles, increases the risk of accidents. Further, limited visibility due to parked cars or blind spots at crosswalks adds to the dangers, particularly during the early morning or evening rush hours.

Tips for pedestrians:

• Stay alert and cross only at designated crosswalks.
• Ensure you have the “walk” signal before proceeding.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing to ensure they see you.

Harvard Street & Morton Street (87 crashes)

This intersection in Boston’s Mattapan neighborhood has been recognized as a hazardous location for pedestrians for a long time. It’s in the top three in the city for pedestrian accidents, with a significant number of these incidents resulting in injuries. Contributing factors to these accidents include high traffic volume, complex road layouts, and inadequate pedestrian infrastructure.

Tips for pedestrians:

• Always use designated crosswalks.
• Stay alert to the movements of other vehicles.
• Avoid distractions like cell phones.

Cedar Street & Columbus Avenue (86 crashes)

The intersection of Cedar Street in the Roxbury neighborhood is a busy and hazardous area for pedestrians. This area has a mix of residential buildings, local businesses, and public transportation nearby. It sees high pedestrian and vehicle traffic, especially during peak commute times. Because Columbus Avenue is a major thoroughfare and encourages fast driving, it can create challenges for pedestrians crossing at Cedar Street.

Tips for pedestrians:

• Use crosswalks and avoid crossing mid-block.
• Make eye contact with drivers and wait for a clear break in traffic.

American Legion Highway & Walk Hill Street (79 crashes)

This intersection of the American Legion Highway and Walk Hill Street in Boston’s Roslindale neighborhood is known for its heavy traffic flow and complicated layout – it’s a challenging spot for both drivers and pedestrians. American Legion Highway sees a mix of high-speed vehicles, public transportation, and foot traffic, especially during rush hour. The intersection’s wide lanes and multiple turning points can make it difficult for pedestrians to safely cross the street.

Tips for pedestrians:

• Cross only at designated crosswalks.
• Be cautious of vehicles turning onto Walk Hill Street.
• Wait for a clear walk signal and make eye contact with drivers.

Our record of results

Breakstone, White & Gluck have an impressive track record of verdicts and settlements for victims of pedestrian accidents in Boston, including:

• $7,100,000 for a woman who lost her right leg after being run over by a bus.
• $2,150,000 for the family of a 73-year-old man who was struck and killed by a car that drove up onto the sidewalk.
• $1,375,000 for a pedestrian struck by an MBTA bus.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a pedestrian accident at one of Boston’s most dangerous intersections? Don’t wait to seek help. These accidents can lead to serious, life-altering injuries, and handling the legal process on your own can be overwhelming. At Breakstone, White & Gluck, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to fight for the compensation you deserve. Complete our contact form or give us a call today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.