Most Dangerous Intersections for Car Accidents in Boulder

If you’ve been injured at a dangerous intersection in Boulder, you’re not alone. While Boulder is known for its bike-friendly design, scenic roads, and active community, certain intersections pose a much higher risk for crashes. These trouble spots account for a disproportionate number of serious collisions each year, many involving pedestrians, cyclists, and high-speed traffic. Knowing which areas of town to avoid or approach with extra caution may help you stay a little safer amid speeding, distracted, and impaired drivers that share the roads. Let’s look at the most dangerous intersections, common causes behind these accidents, and what you need to know if you’ve been injured by a negligent driver at one of these locations or anywhere in Boulder.

Key Takeaways

• Intersections like Broadway & North St. and Arapahoe Ave. & 30th St. are among the most dangerous in Boulder.
• Arterial roads in Boulder account for 72% of all car crashes, despite making up only 17% of the road network.
• Speed is a leading factor in severe crashes, especially on roads with limits above 35 mph.
• Left turns, distracted driving, and impaired driving are common causes of crashes.
• Boulder crash victims may be eligible for compensation to cover medical costs, lost wages or income, pain and suffering, and more.
• Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, PC has the experience and commitment to help you pursue full compensation for your injuries.

Intersections in Boulder With the Highest Crash Rates

Despite its reputation as a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly city, Boulder has several intersections that see frequent and often severe crashes. Many of these involve speed, poor visibility, and driver inattention. The data consistently points to these high-risk areas:

Broadway & North St.

This is one of the worst intersections for pedestrian-related crashes in Boulder. The presence of schools, bus stops, and residential zones increases foot traffic, making any lapse in driver attention especially hazardous.

15th St. & Canyon Blvd.

Positioned near downtown, this intersection sees a heavy mix of vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Its design makes it particularly susceptible to pedestrian crashes, especially during rush hours and weekend nights.

Folsom St. & Canyon Blvd.

Another pedestrian-heavy area, Folsom and Canyon has earned a spot on Boulder’s crash map due to its volume and poor visibility at certain angles. It’s a recurring site for both minor and serious pedestrian accidents.

Arapahoe Ave. & 30th St.

This intersection is notorious for bicycle-related crashes. The diagonal angle and fast-moving vehicles make left turns and crossing particularly dangerous for cyclists.

Arapahoe Ave. & 55th St.

Known for speeding-related crashes, this area sees fewer pedestrians but more high-speed vehicle collisions, particularly during morning and evening commutes.

Additional Dangerous Crash Hotspots in Boulder

Beyond the intersections already mentioned, Boulder has several corridors and roadways that pose serious risks. These locations may not always make headlines, but they appear frequently in crash data and police reports.

Colorado Ave. & 30th St.

This area combines heavy vehicle traffic with a constant stream of students, cyclists, and buses, making crashes common and often severe.

Baseline Rd. & Broadway

This stretch sees a high volume of pedestrian-related incidents, especially during school hours or after dark.

Lee Hill Dr. & Dakota Blvd.

Frequent reports of speeding and limited sight lines make this a prime location for serious crashes.

11th St. & Walnut St.

A high number of impaired-related accidents have occurred here, many involving late-night drivers near downtown nightlife spots.

Arterial Roads and Intersections Pose the Highest Risk

Intersections are dangerous, but certain types of roads in Boulder present heightened crash risks across the board, especially for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike. Arterial roadways—major streets designed to move large volumes of traffic between different parts of the city—are particularly concerning, not just because of traffic volume, but because of the speeds involved. Arterials account for only 17% of Boulder’s road network, yet they are where 72% of all crashes occur.

Arterial roads are particularly dangerous due to:

• Higher speeds: Arterials often have posted speed limits of 35 mph or higher. Collisions at these speeds are more likely to result in serious injuries or death.
• Severe pedestrian crashes: A pedestrian struck by a car going 40 mph has only a 10% chance of survival. At 30 mph, that survival rate jumps to 50%.
• Left-turn crashes: Nearly one-third of severe crashes on Boulder’s roads involve left-turn errors, particularly when vehicles turn across traffic or fail to yield to pedestrians.
• Distracted driving: With more lanes and faster speeds, a momentary lapse in attention—like texting—can have devastating consequences.
• Impaired driving: Alcohol- and drug-related crashes frequently occur along these major roadways, often near entertainment or nightlife zones.

Common Injuries in Boulder Car Accidents

Even at moderate speeds, collisions can result in life-changing injuries. These are some of the most common trauma types reported at Boulder intersections and arterials:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs): TBIs range from concussions to permanent brain damage and are especially common in pedestrian and bicycle crashes. Helmets help, but they don’t always prevent serious injury.
• Spinal cord injuries: High-impact crashes, especially rear-end or rollover accidents, often result in neck and back injuries. These injuries can lead to partial or complete paralysis.
• Broken bones and fractures: Arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis are frequently broken during side-impact and pedestrian accidents. Recovery often requires surgery and long-term physical therapy.
• Internal injuries: Blunt-force trauma can lead to internal bleeding, organ damage, and other complications not immediately obvious at the crash scene.
• Psychological trauma: An often-overlooked consequence of serious crashes is mental health trauma. Anxiety, depression, and PTSD can all stem from a violent or life-altering accident.

What Compensation May Be Available After a Crash

When someone is injured in a car crash in Boulder, compensation may be available for a wide range of financial and personal losses. A strong car accident claim doesn’t just focus on bills. It reflects the toll that another person’s negligence has taken on all aspects of your life. Types of compensable damages include:

• Medical expenses: ER visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, rehab, and follow-up care
• Lost wages: Time off work, lost future earning capacity, or job loss due to long-term injuries
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain, mental distress, and emotional impacts on daily life
• Property damage: Repair or replacement of your car or other personal property
• Loss of enjoyment of life: When injuries prevent you from doing the things you love, such as hiking, biking, skiing, snowboarding, or even walking your dog

FAQs About Boulder’s Dangerous Intersections

How does Boulder track dangerous intersections?

Boulder uses crash data from police reports and transportation studies to identify high-crash areas and improve safety through design changes, enforcement, and public education.

What steps can the city take to improve intersection safety?

Strategies include lowering speed limits, adding protected bike lanes, upgrading pedestrian crossings, and improving traffic light timing to reduce crash risk.

Are certain times of day more dangerous than others?

Yes. Crashes are more common during morning and evening rush hours, especially at intersections with heavy foot and bike traffic.

Can I still file a claim if I was partially at fault?

Colorado follows a modified comparative fault. You may still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault, but your award may be reduced.

What should I do immediately after an intersection crash?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, gather witness info, and avoid discussing fault with anyone. Then, contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Contact Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, PC

If you’ve been injured in a car accident at one of Boulder’s dangerous intersections, don’t wait. Let the experienced car accident lawyers at Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, PC handle the legal side while you focus on recovering. With over 100 years of combined experience and more than $230 million recovered, our attorneys provide the legal strength, personal attention, and ethical commitment that Colorado families need after a serious accident. We proudly serve clients across Boulder, Denver, and throughout Colorado. Our firm limits its caseload to ensure every client receives focused, individualized, and compassionate care. Call 303-447-1144 today or contact us online for your free, no-obligation consultation.