Springfield, Missouri has ten intersections that consistently rank as the most dangerous based on crash data from the Missouri Department of Transportation.
These high-risk locations include Glenstone Avenue and Sunshine Street, Kansas Expressway and Sunshine Street, and Campbell Avenue and Battlefield Road, among others. These intersections can pose an increased risk to drivers due to high traffic volume, complex designs, and speed transitions from highways to city streets.
If you’ve been injured at one of these dangerous Springfield intersections, understanding why these locations are so hazardous can help support your case. Insurance companies often try to shift blame, but the documented crash patterns at these intersections show that many accidents result from poor design, confusing traffic signals, and predictable driver conflicts.
At Beck & Beck Missouri Car Accident Lawyers, we’ve helped countless clients who were hurt at Springfield’s most dangerous intersections recover the compensation they deserve.
This guide covers the top 10 most dangerous intersections in Springfield, what makes them risky, and how to protect yourself when driving through these areas.
Key Findings For Springfield
Springfield’s most dangerous intersections share specific patterns that make them risky for drivers. These locations aren’t just busy – they have design problems and traffic situations that lead to crashes.
The data shows clear trends across these high-crash areas:
- Peak crash times: Most accidents happen during weekday rush hours when everyone is hurrying to work or home
- Common crash types: Rear-end collisions and left-turn accidents are the most frequent problems at these spots
- Weather impact: Rain and ice make these intersections even more dangerous as drivers don’t slow down enough
Understanding these patterns helps you stay safer when you have to drive through these areas. Our experienced Springfield car accident lawyers look at each intersection so you know what to expect.
Top 10 Dangerous Intersections In Springfield
These rankings come from Missouri Department of Transportation crash data. Each location has specific hazards that you should watch for when driving through.
1. Glenstone Avenue And Sunshine Street
This intersection sees the most crashes in Springfield. The high traffic volume, multiple turn lanes, and confusing signal timing create problems for drivers.
When you approach this intersection, expect sudden stops. Watch for drivers making last-minute lane changes to get into the right turn lane, as these improper lane change accidents are common at busy intersections.
2. Glenstone Avenue And Kearney Street
Shopping centers near this intersection create extra danger. Drivers get distracted by cars entering and leaving parking lots.
Pay attention to vehicles pulling out of businesses. Pedestrians often cross here without using marked crosswalks.
3. Kansas Expressway And Sunshine Street
This spot is dangerous because highway speeds meet city traffic. Drivers often don’t slow down fast enough, causing rear-end crashes.
Start reducing your speed well before you reach this intersection. Don’t assume the car behind you will slow down in time.
4. Kansas Expressway And Battlefield Road
Multiple lanes and confusing merge patterns make this intersection tricky. The design forces drivers to make quick decisions about which lane to use.
Pick your lane early when approaching this area. Use your turn signal to show other drivers what you plan to do.
5. Campbell Avenue And Battlefield Road
Heavy commercial traffic and nearby businesses create conflicts here. Truck wide turn accidents add to the danger at this intersection.
Watch for big trucks that need extra room to turn. Be careful of other vehicles making sudden moves to reach business entrances.
6. Campbell Avenue And Sunshine Street
Hospital traffic and school zones make this intersection unpredictable. You’ll encounter everything from ambulances to teenage drivers.
Always be ready to stop for emergency vehicles. Car accidents in Springfield often involve unexpected moves, so give them extra space.
7. National Avenue And Sunshine Street
This major crossroads sees impatient drivers who try to beat red lights. Aggressive driving is common during rush hours.
Never try to race through a yellow light here. Check for cross-traffic even when your light turns green.
8. National Avenue And Battlefield Road
Wide lanes at this intersection encourage speeding. Drivers often misjudge how fast oncoming traffic is moving when making left turns.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash at this location, a Springfield car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights.
9. Glenstone Avenue And Battlefield Road
This is the third Glenstone intersection on our list. The entire Glenstone corridor has heavy commercial traffic that creates constant hazards.
Maintain a safe following distance here. The steady flow of traffic means you need to stay alert at all times.
10. Kearney Street And Kansas Expressway
Heavy congestion and frequent lane changes make this intersection risky. Drivers get trapped in the wrong lane and make dangerous moves to get where they need to go.
Stay patient if you’re in the wrong lane. Wait for a safe opening rather than forcing your way through traffic.
Why These Intersections Rank High
These intersections aren’t dangerous by accident. They share common problems that increase crash risk.
| Factor | How It Increases Crashes | Most Affected Intersections |
| High Traffic Volume | More cars mean more chances for collisions | Glenstone & Sunshine, Kansas Expressway & Battlefield |
| Complex Design | Multiple lanes and confusing signs overwhelm drivers | Campbell & Battlefield, Glenstone & Kearney |
| Speed Transitions | Highway speeds meeting city traffic cause rear-end crashes | Kansas Expressway & Sunshine, National & Battlefield |
Understanding these factors helps you recognize when you’re in a high-risk situation. You can adjust your driving accordingly.
When Crashes Spike In Springfield
Accidents at these intersections follow predictable patterns. Knowing when crashes are most likely helps you stay extra alert.
- Morning rush (7-9 AM): Commuters rushing to work create stop-and-go traffic
- Evening rush (4-6 PM): Tired drivers heading home are often distracted and impatient
- Weekend nights: Impaired driving increases crash risk on Friday and Saturday nights, with drunk driver accident cases becoming more common during these hours.
Bad weather makes these dangerous times even worse. Rain and ice reduce visibility and increase stopping distances.
If you’re in a weather-related crash, determining fault can be complicated. A car accident attorney in Springfield, Missouri can help sort out the legal issues.
Diverging Diamond Interchanges In Springfield
Springfield has tried to reduce crashes by building Diverging Diamond Interchanges (DDIs). A DDI is a special design where traffic crosses to the left side of the road temporarily.
This design allows left turns onto highways without waiting for green arrows. Springfield built one of the first DDIs in the country at I-44 and Kansas Expressway.
DDIs can reduce some types of crashes, but they’re not perfect. The unusual traffic pattern confuses drivers and can cause different types of accidents.
How We Ranked The Springfield Top 10
Our rankings use official crash data to give you accurate information about road safety.
- MoDOT crash reports: We analyzed Missouri Department of Transportation data for state roads like Glenstone and Kansas Expressway
- Springfield Police data: We reviewed local crash information for city streets
- Time period: We looked at crashes from recent years to identify consistent patterns
We ranked intersections based on total crashes and injuries. This gives you the most complete picture of where accidents happen most often.
Why This Springfield List Matters
Knowing which intersections are dangerous protects you and your family. When you’re aware of high-risk areas, you can drive more carefully and watch for common problems.
Thousands of crashes happen at Springfield intersections every year. Many of these accidents are preventable if drivers know what to expect.
If you are in a crash at one of these locations, the intersection’s dangerous reputation can help your case. Missouri car accident lawyers can use this information to show how poor design or negligent driving contributed to your injuries.
How To Report A Dangerous Intersection
You can help prevent crashes by reporting hazards like broken traffic lights or faded crosswalks. Springfield residents have several ways to report problems:
- Call Springfield Public Works at (417) 864-1900
- Use the city’s “GoSpringfieldMO” app to submit reports online
- Speak at City Council meetings about traffic safety concerns
Reporting hazards helps the community and creates evidence if crashes happen later. Your report could prevent someone else from getting hurt.
Safety Tips For These Intersections
You can’t control other drivers, but you can reduce your own crash risk. These defensive driving habits work especially well at dangerous intersections:
- Slow down early: Take your foot off the gas as you approach busy intersections
- Watch for red-light runners: Look both ways before entering an intersection, even on green
- Avoid distractions: Put your phone away and focus completely on driving
- Check blind spots: Look over your shoulder before changing lanes
- Signal early: Use turn signals at least 100 feet before you move
These simple steps can save your life. Most intersection crashes happen because drivers aren’t paying attention or are going too fast.
Injured At A Springfield Intersection
Even safe drivers get hurt by other people’s mistakes. If you’ve been injured at one of these dangerous intersections, you’re probably dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and insurance company pressure.
We understand what you’re going through. Our firm is the only one in Missouri that focuses exclusively on auto accident law.
Here’s how we help intersection accident victims:
- Handle insurance companies: We deal with adjusters so you can focus on getting better
- Investigate your crash: We gather evidence and work with experts to prove what happened
- Fight for full compensation: We make sure you get money for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering
We help Missouri families recover after car accidents. We’ve successfully recovered compensation for clients because we know how to fight insurance companies.
You don’t pay us unless we win your case. If you need help from a car crash lawyer in Springfield, MO, call us for a free consultation.
Springfield Intersection Accident FAQ
How Can I Find Crash Data For A Specific Springfield Intersection?
Use the Missouri Department of Transportation’s online crash mapping tool for state roads. For city streets, file a records request with Springfield Police Department.
Where Do I Get My Springfield Police Crash Report?
Request your crash report online through the Springfield Police website or visit their headquarters at 321 E. Chestnut Expressway. You’ll need the accident date and driver names.
Do Diverging Diamond Interchanges Actually Reduce Springfield Crashes?
DDIs like the one at I-44 and Kansas Expressway reduce severe left-turn and head-on crashes. However, their unusual design can cause confusion and lead to other types of minor accidents.
How Do I Report A Traffic Hazard At A Springfield Intersection?
Call Springfield Public Works at (417) 864-1900 to report broken signals, faded markings, or other hazards. The more specific details you provide, the faster they can fix the problem.
What Steps Should I Take After A Crash At A Springfield Intersection?
Call 911 first to report the accident and any injuries. Take photos of the scene, exchange information with other drivers, and get witness contact details before calling a Missouri car accident lawyer.
How Does Being Partially At Fault Affect My Springfield Accident Claim?
Missouri uses pure comparative fault rules, which consider violations of right-of-way laws when determining compensation.
