Avoiding Intersection Crashes in Concord, New Hampshire

Navigating Concord’s roads can feel routine, until it isn’t. A routine left turn, a quick glance at your phone, or a sudden brake tap at the wrong intersection can change everything. Some of the most serious car crashes in Concord happen at intersections, and not by coincidence. Certain roads, traffic patterns, and visibility issues create a higher risk of impact.

If you live, work, or commute in the area, our Concord office location makes it easy to get legal help from a team that knows the city’s most dangerous intersections. 

Concord’s Most Dangerous Intersections

Several intersections in Concord see a disproportionate number of car crashes each year. Whether it’s high-speed merges, poor sightlines, or confusing layouts, these spots demand extra caution:

This intersection near the old Steeplegate Mall sees a high volume of traffic every day. The problem is heavy left-turn traffic, distracted drivers entering or exiting parking lots, and limited visibility. Add pedestrians and frequent lane changes, and you’ve got a recipe for fender-benders—and worse.

This busy crossing near downtown mixes local traffic with drivers unfamiliar with the area. Timing issues with signals, fast-moving vehicles, and inconsistent yielding patterns make this a hotbed for crashes, especially during morning and evening rush.

Drivers merging on and off the highway are often focused on getting to or from the interstate quickly. That urgency, combined with multiple lane shifts and access to major shopping areas, makes this intersection unpredictable. Side-impact crashes and rear-end collisions are especially common here.

Close to Concord Hospital, this intersection sees both regular commuter traffic and emergency vehicles. Drivers may try to make quick turns or misjudge gaps in oncoming traffic, especially when unfamiliar with the area.

Tucked in a more residential section of the city, this spot may seem quiet—but don’t be fooled. Blind curves and speeding drivers make this intersection deceptively risky.

Honorable Mentions: Airport Road at East Side Drive and Manchester Street near Broken Ground School also deserve caution. They’ve each seen enough crashes to raise red flags, particularly during school drop-offs or poor weather conditions.

Common Causes of Intersection Crashes

Not all crashes are caused by speeding or reckless driving. In fact, some of the most common reasons are surprisingly mundane:

• Failure to Yield: Whether running a red light or turning left without enough space, failing to yield causes more intersection crashes than almost anything else.
• Distracted Driving: Glancing at your phone or GPS—even for a second—can mean missing a stop sign or creeping into oncoming traffic.
• Inching Forward: Many drivers try to “beat the light” or inch out for better visibility. This tactic often leads to being clipped by faster-moving vehicles.
• Misjudging Distance or Speed: Intersections are full of moving parts. Misreading how fast someone else is coming, especially when turning left, is a leading cause of crashes.

It’s not just about other drivers. Road design and signal timing can contribute, too. Some Concord intersections have outdated layouts that don’t align with current traffic volume. When lights are mistimed or turn lanes are too short, drivers take unnecessary risks just to get through.

And let’s not ignore weather. Rain, snow, and black ice are common in New Hampshire. Poor conditions make it harder to stop in time, harder to see, and harder to react. That’s especially true at intersections, where sudden braking or swerving can lead to multi-vehicle crashes.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

You can’t control the weather. You can’t control other drivers. But you can control how you approach Concord’s intersections and that makes a big difference. 

Here are a few safety habits that work:

• Slow Down and Scan Ahead: Always approach intersections at a reduced speed, especially if visibility is limited. Look for pedestrians, cyclists, and cars entering from side streets.
• Treat Yellow Lights Like Red Lights: If you're not already in the intersection when the light turns yellow, stop. Don’t try to rush through.
• Pause Before You Go: When a light turns green, wait a second and check both directions. Many crashes happen when drivers run a red light just after it changes.
• Use Defensive Driving: Assume others might make a mistake. Be prepared to brake or swerve if needed, especially at high-risk spots like Exit 14 or Loudon Road.
• Avoid Distractions: Put your phone down. Use voice commands if you need directions. The fewer distractions, the more you’ll notice about your surroundings.

If you’ve got a teenage driver at home, make sure they know the high-risk intersections in Concord. Even seasoned drivers can fall into routines that lead to complacency. Staying alert, aware, and proactive can prevent a crash before it happens. If a crash does happen, seeing a doctor right away can make all the difference in your recovery and your case.

Call Buckley if You’ve Been Injured in a Concord Car Crash

If you’ve been hurt in a Concord car crash, especially at one of these dangerous intersections, Call Buckley. Our team has helped people across New Hampshire recover from devastating auto accidents and secure the compensation they need to move forward.

You don’t need to handle this alone. Clients across New Hampshire choose us when results matter most. Call us right now for a free consultation. We’ll explain your options and fight for your rights.