Leesburg’s Most Dangerous Intersections from 2004 to 2014

In and around Leesburg, Virginia, drivers face many challenges, from heavy construction zones to speed traps. But several spots are the most dangerous places to drive. Interestingly, the most dangerous intersections in Leesburg have changed slightly over the years. When people think of heavy traffic and dangerous places during rush hour, spots like East Market Street and Cardinal Park may come to mind. However, many might be surprised to know that accidents in this location have declined in recent years, yielding to even more dangerous places around the area.

Worst Intersections in 2004

Historically, according to a 2004 annual report from the Leesburg Police Department, these are the top five most dangerous intersections in the Leesburg, Virginia area.

40 Accidents                     East Market St @ Cardinal Park DR SE

38 Accidents                     Leesburg Bypass @ Sycolin RD SE

24 Accidents                     S. King St @ Leesburg Bypass

23 Accidents                     Leesburg Bypass @ East Market ST

22 Accidents                     Leesburg Bypass @ Battlefield PKWY

Worst Intersections in 2014

While even after 10 years there remain several key overlaps in most dangerous intersections, there are a few changes. According to the most recent annual report in 2014, the Leesburg Police Department reported the following as the most dangerous intersections.

44 Accidents                     East Market Street @ Battlefield Parkway

                                                Accidents at this location have doubled in 10 years.

18 Accidents                     Rt. 15 Bypass @ Edwards Ferry Road

12 Accidents                     East Market Street @ Cardinal Park Drive

11 Accidents                     Fort Evans Road @ Battlefield Parkway

9 Accidents                        East Market Street @ Fort Evans Road

9 Accidents                        East Market Street @ Plaza Street

Overall changes in accident data

In the past ten years, the Leesburg region has seen several key changes in traffic data. For one, the total number of reportable accidents in 2004 was 581, yet ten years later in 2014, that number has dropped slightly to just 577. However, this is actually better than it may at first seem. After all, Leesburg has seen a 16.1 percent increase in population in the 4-year period between. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 42,616 people living in the incorporated city of Leesburg in 2010. Compare this with 49,496 in 2014. Therefore, despite the steep increase in population, traffic accidents are declining for the most part. Similarly, fatal crashes are down, with none being reported in 2014.

Avoiding crashes

If your daily commute requires you to pass through heavily crowded intersections, try taking a different route. Sometimes the extra two or three minutes in transit is worth the reduced risk of being involved in a serious accident. If you cannot avoid these intersections, make sure you do everything in your own power to prevent problems. You can reduce your risk of being involved in a collision by avoiding distractions. Put down your cell phone, never drink and drive, and avoid eating and drinking while in high-risk intersections. If you must operate the radio dials, make changes to your control panel or eat and drink, wait until you are out of the intersection and in a safer place.

If, despite your best efforts, you are involved in a traffic accident in Leesburg or Loudoun county, contact the experienced trial lawyers of Simms Showers, LLP for a free consultation.