If you have recently been involved in a car crash in Des Moines, that experience may still be fresh in your mind. After such an event, returning to crowded roads and heavy traffic flow can feel overwhelming. Public crash data from the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) identifies several intersections where collisions occur more often.
Knowing where crashes tend to happen may help you plan your routes and drive with added care as you return to the road. This awareness can support your confidence and safety during recovery and also gives city or state officials insight into where they might focus future safety projects.
SE 14th Street and Maury Street
As you travel through this south side corridor, you often meet commuter and commercial vehicles. Iowa DOT records show many crashes within a short stretch near this junction between 2017 and 2021, including incidents that resulted in injuries and deaths. Multiple lanes, frequent turns and freight movement can create challenging driving conditions for you, other drivers, cyclists and pedestrians who use the road.
I-235 and School Street / MLK Jr.
When you approach this location, you may encounter freeway ramps blending with surface streets. High speeds, lane changes and several signal phases can contribute to increased crash risk here compared with simpler intersections.
University Avenue and 6th Avenue
In the downtown grid, you may encounter a steady stream of cars, buses and pedestrians at this intersection. Because of this mix, frequent stops, turning conflicts and busy crosswalks might increase the chance of rear-end and side-impact crashes.
Safety tips when driving through high-risk intersections
You may consider the following actions at high-crash locations to improve focus and control:
- Slow down and increase your following distance to allow more reaction time
- Scan for pedestrians, buses and turning vehicles before entering the intersection
- Avoid sudden lane changes or turns that can surprise other drivers
- Keep both hands on the wheel and stay focused until you clear the area
These steps can help you stay aware as you move through busy spots.
Applying crash data insights after an accident
Understanding where serious crashes tend to happen may help you stay alert as you return to driving after an accident. Going back to the road can be stressful, and recognising these patterns could guide your travel decisions and offer context when dealing with insurance, pursuing possible compensation or other post-crash matters while you focus on recovery.