W 42nd Street & 8th Avenue | Dangerous Intersections

The intersection at West 42nd Street and 8th Avenue is a dangerous one – and it’s often considered one of most dangerous intersections in New York City.

Located just a brief walk away from Times Square, this intersection is not only heavily trafficked by vehicles, but pedestrians too. Adding to the dangers, there’s A LOT going on! From street-side vendors to towering digital advertisements designed to grab your attention, this intersection can be disastrous if motorists and pedestrians aren’t careful.

What Makes 8th Ave & W 42nd St A Dangerous Intersection?

Each year, authorities have recorded about 140 collisions at this intersection alone. That’s nearly three crashes each week!

Some datasets have this intersection ranked as the third most dangerous in New York City, and based on the evidence below, it’s easy to see why.

The Barnes Firm’s best accident lawyers in Manhattan have analyzed the major hazards that make this intersection a nightmare:

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Location

The location of this intersection is what makes it perhaps the most important factor to consider when analyzing why this intersection is so dangerous.

Located just a brief walk from Times Square, millions of New Yorkers and tourists cut across 8th Avenue and W 42nd Street every day. Not only is vehicular traffic heavy at this location; so is pedestrian and bicycle traffic.

Although there’s a protected bike lane on 8th Avenue, bicyclists lose that protection when entering an intersection such as this one.

With all of these factors combined, there’s a higher risk of getting into an accident when crossing W 42nd Street and 8th Avenue.

Signage

It may not be Times Square, but it’s close enough! Quite literally.

Implanted in the towering skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan, advertisers have found some creative ways of getting their messages to consumers by placing enormous digital advertisements on the intersection corners.

Although drivers are expected to maintain their focus on the road, these advertisements are often designed to grab your attention. This adds to the dangers associated with 8th Ave and W 42nd St. There’s so much happening at this intersection that it’s easy for drivers to get distracted.

Even if it’s just a brief moment, that’s all it takes to cause an accident in New York City.

Right Turns

Despite the heavy traffic in this area and crowded crosswalks, there are few restrictions on right turning drivers.

Since 8th Avenue is a one-way street, drivers heading east on 42nd Street cannot turn right, but that’s not the case for other traffic. While some intersections may advise against turning right on red, W 42nd Street and 8th Avenue has few restrictions, putting pedestrians, bicyclists and other motorists at risk.

Traffic Patterns

With so much happening at this intersection, a confusing traffic pattern can create a disastrous situation. W 42nd St and 8th Avenue has a web of traffic lanes, bus lanes, turn lanes, bike lanes, and crosswalks directing millions of people each day.

Traffic at this intersection is also prone to sudden stops. Whether it be tour buses, metro buses, taxis, or other traffic, this is a tourist hotspot and drivers should expect slowdowns.

It’s also critical to follow the rules of the road:

• Obey the speed limit
• Obey traffic signals
• Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists

What to Do If You’re Involved In An Accident

If you know anyone who’s been injured at the corner of W 48th Street and 8th Avenue, they’ll want our best car accident lawyers in Manhattan to help get compensation for things like repairs, medical bills, lost time at work, transportation costs, and more.

Our top New York car accident attorneys have a track-record for getting the best result possible. See The Barnes Firm difference for yourself and get started for FREE. Don’t wait – there are deadlines that must be met! Call our top attorneys now.

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