Pedestrian injuries continue to rise across the Greater Washington region, and many of the cases our firm handles come from the same high-risk corridors year after year. Fast-moving traffic, limited crossing points and aging road design all play a role in the dangers people face simply trying to walk to work, school, or the Metro.
Below is an overview of the most dangerous pedestrian corridors in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C., based on regional crash data and trends we regularly see in our own personal injury cases.
Northern Virginia’s Highest-Risk Corridors
Richmond Highway (Route 1)
Richmond Highway remains the most dangerous roadway in Fairfax County, particularly south of the Beltway. It leads the region in pedestrian and cyclist crashes and fatalities.
Route 29 (Arlington)
Route 29 sees a high rate of serious pedestrian collisions. Wide intersections and heavy traffic flow contribute to these patterns.
Duke Street (Alexandria)
Duke Street is another corridor where serious injuries frequently occur. Complex intersections and inconsistent pedestrian infrastructure have played roles in numerous cases involving both adults and children.
Other High-Risk Northern Virginia Corridors
- Leesburg Pike (Route 7)
• Columbia Pike near Glebe Road (Arlington)
• Little River Turnpike (Annandale)
Washington, DC’s Most Dangerous Locations
Minnesota Avenue and Benning Road N.E.
Repeatedly named the most dangerous intersection in D.C., this area blends high-speed traffic with dense pedestrian movement. Short crossing times and unpredictable traffic patterns create devastating outcomes.
Florida Avenue and New York Avenue N.E.
The former “Dave Thomas Circle” has long been a crash hot spot due to confusing lane design, rapid merges. and poor visibility.
14th Street N.W., especially near Columbia Road
Blocked bike lanes, unpredictable vehicle movements, and heavy foot traffic create daily risks.
Other High-Injury Areas in D.C.
- 14th and U Street N.W.
• H Street and North Capitol Street N.W.
• Massachusetts Avenue and Scott Circle N.W.
• Connecticut Avenue and K Street N.W.
Practical Tips for Pedestrians Who Must Use These Corridors
For many residents, avoiding these roads is not realistic. Here are steps that can help reduce the risk of serious injury.
- Always use marked crosswalks, even if it requires a longer route;
- Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the roadway;
- Stay visible by wearing reflective clothing or carrying a light at dusk or night;
- Avoid crossing during the final seconds of a flashing signal;
- Take extra caution near bus stops, multi-lane intersections, and areas with blocked sight lines;
- Be alert for turning vehicles, even when the pedestrian crossing signal is on;
- If you see a broken pedestrian signal, faded or weathered road markings, or poor lighting, be sure to report it to the correct agency:
- In Virginia: contact the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) through their customer service center at 800 367 7623 or online reporting portal.
- In Washington, D.C.: contact the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) using 311 or the DC 311 mobile app to submit a service request.
These tips cannot eliminate risk, but they can help reduce the chance of being struck in high-traffic areas.
An Added Word of Caution to Motorists
Be alert to pedestrians when you are approaching and stop at an intersection. This is especially necessary at night when it is dark and difficult to see. Also be aware that the A-pillar of passenger cars, SUVs, and pick-up trucks equipped with airbags are wide, which also makes it hard to see pedestrians at an intersection. Such blind spots are made worse when the vehicle is equipped with large sideview mirrors next to the A-pillar. So best to take an additional second or two to make sure there are no pedestrians entering or in the intersection before proceeding.
When a Pedestrian Injury Occurs
Unfortunately, even the most careful pedestrian can be severely injured when a driver is speeding, distracted, or ignoring traffic laws. Many of our clients were crossing with a signal or using the correct crosswalk when they were struck. You can hear their stories on our YouTube Client Testimonial Page.
If you or a loved one were injured on any of these corridors, or anywhere in Northern Virginia or Washington, D.C., please do not hesitate to reach out. A serious pedestrian crash can turn a normal day into a long and overwhelming journey. Questions about what happened, who is responsible, and how medical care will be covered can feel impossible to sort through alone. Reaching out to an experienced personal injury attorney can help make sure important evidence is preserved and that the injured person is supported and protected throughout the recovery process.
Image credit: Washington Post – Yellow octagon is clusters of three or more deaths in an approximate one-mile area from 2021-23
