The Top 10 Deadliest Intersections in El Paso for Drivers and Pedestrians

Navigating traffic in El Paso can feel routine until you end up at a crossing or junction that has become one of the city’s deadliest. For both drivers and walkers, some intersections pose far greater risks than others. In this article, we count down the top 10 deadliest intersections in El Paso for drivers and pedestrians, explain why they’re so dangerous, show how crashes happen there, and tell you what to do if you’re injured. If you’ve been in an accident at one of these intersections, contact the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC for a free consultation! 

What Makes an Intersection Dangerous?

When we refer to a “deadly intersection,” we’re not only talking about the number of accidents. These locations often involve a dangerous combination of roadway design, traffic flow, and driver behavior that significantly increases the risk of serious or fatal collisions.

Here are a few common risk factors:

• Poor visibility: Blind corners, overgrown trees, or parked vehicles can block views, making it hard to see oncoming traffic or pedestrians.
  
• Lack of traffic control: Intersections without clear signage, traffic signals, or pedestrian lights can confuse drivers and walkers, leading to dangerous hesitation or misjudgment.
  
• High traffic volume:  Busy intersections with constant flow from all directions mean more opportunities for collisions, especially when drivers try to beat the traffic light.
  
• Complicated design: Some intersections have unusual angles, multiple lanes merging, or unconventional turns. This increases the chance of driver errors.
  
• Speeding: Intersections near highway off-ramps or major roadways often involve cars moving too fast to stop safely.
  
• Pedestrian exposure: Crosswalks that are poorly marked or placed too far from natural foot traffic patterns leave people walking at the mercy of impatient drivers.

The combination of these conditions makes some El Paso intersections particularly dangerous. By identifying these areas and understanding what makes them high-risk, drivers and pedestrians can take steps to avoid accidents or at least stay more alert when passing through them.

The Top 10 Deadly Intersections in El Paso

1. I‑10 & George Dieter Drive (East El Paso)

Often listed as the most dangerous in the city. The high speeds on I‑10, merging traffic from local roads, and heavy commercial vehicles make this spot especially hazardous for both drivers and pedestrians.

Crash types: High‑speed rear‑end collisions, side‑impact T‑bone crashes, and pedestrian strikes near slip ramps.

2. Loop 375 & Montwood Drive (East‑side)

This high‑traffic intersection combines freeway‑style flow on Loop 375 with local traffic on Montwood Drive, leading to confusing merges and frequent crashes. Heavy airport access and retail traffic only add to the risk. 

Crash types: Pedestrian collisions, truck vs. SUV crashes, and T-bone collisions.

3. Mesa Street & Executive Center Boulevard (Downtown)

In one of El Paso’s busiest downtown corridors, Mesa Street meets Executive Center Boulevard in an area packed with offices, retail, and commuters. The intersection’s traffic congestion and pedestrian activity make it a frequent site for serious accidents.

Crash types: Rear‑end collisions, pedestrian vs car in crosswalks, and multi‑vehicle chain reactions in heavy traffic.

4. I‑10 & Lee Trevino Drive (East)

This intersection is known for its confusing road layout, with multiple merging lanes, short turn lanes, and awkward angles that make it hard for drivers to see other vehicles or anticipate traffic movement. These design issues can lead to frequent crashes, especially when drivers are unfamiliar with the area or distracted.

Crash types: Rear‑end, side‑impact, pedestrians being hit and seriously hurt or killed, and truck‑involved wrecks.

5. Gateway North Boulevard & Gateway West Boulevard (Cielo Vista shopping area)

Located in a major retail hub near I‑10, this intersection handles intense traffic from shoppers, delivery trucks, and commuters alike. The sheer volume of vehicles and pedestrians crossing between stores and parking areas increases the risk of accidents happening.

Crash types: Pedestrian accidents in crosswalks, T‑bone collisions, and parking lot collisions spilling into the main intersection.

6. Joe Battle Boulevard & Montwood Drive

Joe Battle Boulevard & Montwood Drive is considered one of the deadliest intersections in El Paso and possibly Texas due to its high crash volume, complex traffic patterns, and rapid development that has outpaced safety upgrades.

Crash types: High‑impact crashes, pedestrian vs. vehicle crossings, large vehicle collisions. 

7. 7th Avenue & Stanton Street (Downtown pedestrian zone)

In the heart of downtown El Paso, this intersection sees heavy foot traffic alongside vehicle congestion, a combination that turns casual strolls into high‑risk crossings for pedestrians and drivers alike. Frequent nightlife, tourist movement, and one‑way vehicle patterns add to the danger.

Crash types: Pedestrian fatalities, tourist‑driver confusion, and late‑night drunk driving.

8. Airway Boulevard & I‑10 (Traffic access zone)

Serving both airport traffic and interstate access, this intersection has complex lane patterns and sudden merges that challenge drivers and expose pedestrians walking to or from terminals. Rental cars, commercial shuttle traffic, and high speeds make it a critical risk zone.

Crash types: Rear‑end collisions, pedestrian accidents, and high‑speed sideswipes.

9. Montana Avenue & McRae Boulevard

Located in a busy commercial and retail corridor, this intersection deals with heavy turning movements, merging traffic, and pedestrians hopping between shopping centers. The mix of drivers focused on accessing stores and people crossing adds to its status among the most dangerous in El Paso.

Crash types: Pedestrian serious injury, vehicle vs. vehicle angle collisions, and truck‑stop arrivals.

10. Gateway East Boulevard & Lee Trevino Drive

This suburb‑to‑commercial transition zone collects traffic from nearby highways, residential areas, and large retail centers. With high vehicle volume and limited pedestrian infrastructure, it’s one of the city’s most frequent crash points for drivers and walkers.

Crash types: Pedestrian injuries near retail entrances, drivers making abrupt turns, heavy truck involvement.

What Patterns Make These Intersections Dangerous?

El Paso’s deadliest intersections share a common set of dangerous characteristics. While each has its own unique challenges, several recurring patterns explain why these spots continue to experience high accident rates for both drivers and pedestrians:

• High-Speed Roadways: Several intersections (like I‑10 & George Dieter and Airway Blvd & I‑10) involve highways or major roads where vehicles travel at high speeds, increasing crash severity.
  
• Heavy Merging & Complex Layouts: Intersections with short turn lanes, merging traffic, or non-standard designs (like I‑10 & Lee Trevino or Loop 375 & Montwood) confuse drivers and increase crash risk.
  
• Pedestrian Exposure: Zones like 7th Ave & Stanton Street and Gateway East & Lee Trevino see heavy foot traffic, often without adequate infrastructure, leading to serious pedestrian injuries and fatalities.
  
• Retail & Commercial Traffic: Intersections near shopping areas (Gateway North & Gateway West, Montana & McRae) involve high vehicle turnover, delivery trucks, and distracted drivers entering/exiting parking lots.
  
• Downtown Congestion: Areas like Mesa Street & Executive Center experience intense vehicle and foot traffic, where tight spacing leads to frequent rear-end collisions and pedestrian strikes.
  
• Poor Visibility or Signal Design: Many crash zones suffer from inadequate lighting, obstructed views, or outdated traffic signal setups that confuse drivers and put pedestrians at risk.
  
• High Volume of Large Vehicles: Intersections like Joe Battle & Montwood and I‑10 & Lee Trevino often see commercial trucks and buses, increasing danger due to larger blind spots and slower stopping times.

These overlapping hazards emphasize the importance of careful driving and thoughtful urban design and show why many of these locations appear again and again on local crash reports. If you’ve been injured at one of these intersections, you may have a claim that involves complex liability and multiple parties. Our experienced attorney can help sort through the details and build a strong case.

What to Do If You’re Injured at One of These Intersections

If you or someone you love is involved in an accident at one of these intersections:

• Call 911 and report the crash: Ensure law enforcement documents the scene.
  
• Seek medical care right away: Even if you feel okay, shock and adrenaline may hide serious injuries.
  
• Document evidence:  Take photos of vehicle damage, your injuries, signals, road conditions, and other factors.
  
• Get witness information: Names and contact details of anyone who saw the crash matter.
  
• Notify your insurance company: However, speak with an attorney before giving recorded statements, as the company may try to lower the amount of your claim.
  
• Contact the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC: Our El Paso intersection accident lawyers can investigate the scene, identify liable parties, review your case, and help you pursue recovery.

Whether you were driving, walking, or riding a bike, serious injury crashes at intersections often result in complex claims with multiple parties and insurance issues.

Take Action After a Crash

The intersections listed above aren’t just deadly accident locations; they’re places where lives are changed or lost. Whether you’re a driver stopped at a red light or a pedestrian crossing near a busy mall, being aware of these hotspots can help you stay safer. If the worst happens, having an attorney makes a real difference. If you were injured at one of El Paso’s most dangerous intersections, call us today for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the recovery you deserve.

Michael J. Gopin

Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...