Queens Boulevard & Long Island Expressway | Dangerous Intersections

The intersections that are around Queens Blvd & the Long Island Expressway are statistically the most dangerous areas in Queens, and one of the most dangerous areas in all of New York City.

This location features many concerning areas for drivers, including tunnels, underpasses, confusing signals, and high pedestrian traffic. All of these put together make this area extremely dangerous for anyone using it. The Barnes Firm’s best injury lawyers in NYC explain why this intersection should be avoided, if possible:

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What Makes Queens Blvd & LIE A Dangerous Intersection?

Public records have recorded over 110 car crashes each year around vicinity of the Long Island Expressway and Queens Boulevard. Many of these accidents were fender-benders, but others were serious accidents that involved cars, trucks, city buses, pedestrians, and bicyclists.

That’s over two crashes each week at this intersection alone.

Examining the location and traffic patterns, The Barnes Firm’s best car accident lawyers in Queens can help explain why this intersection is prone to more accidents:

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Location

With nearby shopping centers, restaurants and parks, there’s already a lot happening around the intersection of the Long Island Expressway (LIE) and Queens Boulevard.

Making matters worse, both of these thoroughfares are heavily trafficked, moving commuters from Long Island into the city and back on the LIE, and Queens Blvd is a hybrid-highway itself with service roads to each side.

Finally, this area has a lot of pedestrian traffic too. With nearby subway stations, drivers must be aware of foot traffic in this area. And as you’ll read below, it’s not always that easy when there’s too much happening at once.

Confusing Traffic Patterns

Even the simplest intersections are dangerous to handle as a driver. Here, at Queens Blvd & Long Island Expressway, the traffic patterns get much more complicated.

Merging Traffic – Many drivers coming from either the upper Long Island Expressway or the lower Queens Boulevard may be prompted to merge with traffic. Although there are stop signs, these merging intersections often have difficult sightlines.
Horizontal Traffic Lights – Due to the low height of the Long Island Expressway, traffic lights cannot be displayed in their typical fashion – vertical. Here, some of the traffic signals are horizontal; which has been proven to be confusing for drivers who have color blindness.
Separated Lanes/No Shoulder – many of the lanes in this area are separated by medians, and one must exit at a specific point in order to effectively reach their destinations. When vehicles cannot exit their lanes, it can create a hazardous situation.
Tunnels/Underpasses – Underpasses can be surprisingly hazardous because it takes your eyes time to adjust to brightness and darkness. Although it takes most of us a second or two to adjust, it’s still enough time to cause an accident.

Confusing Traffic Patterns

Even the simplest intersections are dangerous to handle as a driver. Here, at Queens Blvd & Long Island Expressway, the traffic patterns get much more complicated.

Merging Traffic – Many drivers coming from either the upper Long Island Expressway or the lower Queens Boulevard may be prompted to merge with traffic. Although there are stop signs, these merging intersections often have difficult sightlines.
Horizontal Traffic Lights – Due to the low height of the Long Island Expressway, traffic lights cannot be displayed in their typical fashion – vertical. Here, some of the traffic signals are horizontal; which has been proven to be confusing for drivers who have color blindness.
Separated Lanes/No Shoulder – many of the lanes in this area are separated by medians, and one must exit at a specific point in order to effectively reach their destinations. When vehicles cannot exit their lanes, it can create a hazardous situation.
Tunnels/Underpasses – Underpasses can be surprisingly hazardous because it takes your eyes time to adjust to brightness and darkness. Although it takes most of us a second or two to adjust, it’s still enough time to cause an accident.

Pedestrian Traffic

Although pedestrian traffic is restricted on the Long Island Expressway, Queens Boulevard is bustling with activity.

There are nearby shopping centers, restaurants, stores, and residential buildings. Adding to the traffic, the Woodhaven Blvd subway station is one of the busiest in Queens, shuttling thousands of people around the city.

While there are pedestrian crossing signals, there are many different places and ways pedestrians can cross the street, making them very difficult for drivers to predict.

Left Turns

While most accidents in the area of Queens Blvd and Long Island Expressway are due to stop-and-go traffic, left turns can also be dangerous here despite there being only one left turn signal at this intersection.

Making more problems, this signal is underneath the Long Island Expressway. Hidden in the shade, this light can easily be missed, and it does not support a whole lot of traffic.

Left Turns

Making more problems, this signal is underneath the Long Island Expressway. Hidden in the shade, this light can easily be missed, and it does not support a whole lot of traffic.

What to Do If You’re Involved In An Accident

Do you know someone who was hurt near the intersection of Queens Blvd and Long Island Expressway? Let The Barnes Firm take a look at their case for FREE. Our team has extensive experience handling accident claims stemming from dangerous intersection such as the one here.

Whether you were a pedestrian, bicyclist, a driver, or a passenger, know that you have rights that must be protected. Call The Barnes Firm now and we’ll make sure you recover the best result possible.

Have a question for our best car accident lawyers in Queens? Call now. Our help is free.

The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000

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