What are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Topeka?

The most dangerous intersections in Topeka include S.E. 21st Street and Adams Street, S.W. 29th Street and Fairlawn Road, and several locations along 21st Street. More than 1,000 intersection crashes were reported across the city in 2023, with S.E. 21st and Adams recorded 13, the highest total that year.

Knowing where crashes happen is useful, especially if you travel these roads every day. But even a careful driver can be hit by someone who runs a red light, follows too closely, speeds, or isn’t paying attention. If that happens, our Topeka car accident lawyer can investigate the crash and help you understand your options for recovering medical expenses and other losses.

Which Intersections in Topeka Have the Most Crashes?

Crash figures can change from one year to another, so no intersection should permanently be labeled the city’s worst. Still, 2023 traffic data gives us a useful picture of where crashes were happening. These 11 intersections recorded the highest totals that year:

• S.E. 21st Street and Adams Street: This intersection recorded 13 accidents, the highest number in Topeka in 2023.
• S.W. 29th Street and Fairlawn Road: Eight accidents were reported here, tying the intersection for the second-highest total.
• S.W. 21st Street and Gage Boulevard: This intersection also had eight reported accidents.
• S.W. 6th Avenue and Topeka Boulevard: Eight accidents put this busy intersection in the same four-way tie.
• S.W. 10th and Washburn avenues: Eight accidents were reported at this location in 2023.
• S.W. Huntoon and Polk streets: Seven accidents occurred here during the year.
• S.W. 21st Street and I-470: This intersection also recorded seven accidents.
• S.W. 21st Street and Chelsea Drive: Seven accidents put this location in the same three-way tie.
• S.W. Topeka Boulevard and 29th Street: Six accidents were reported at this intersection.
• S.W. Huntoon Street and Washburn Avenue: This location also had six reported accidents.
• S.W. 6th Avenue and Fairlawn Road: Six accidents rounded out the group of 11 intersections.

At Kevin McManus Law, we think these crash figures are useful for identifying traffic patterns, but they don’t explain why an individual collision happened. That requires looking at the drivers, traffic signals, road conditions, and other circumstances surrounding the wreck.

Why Do Certain Topeka Intersections See More Accidents?

Traffic volume is an obvious factor. Put enough vehicles into the same intersection, with drivers turning left, changing lanes, stopping at red lights, and entering nearby businesses, and there are simply more opportunities for mistakes.

Some crash patterns also stick around. Back in 2019, S.W. 21st and Urish Road recorded 12 crashes, while S.W. 29th and Fairlawn Road and S.E. 6th and Golden Avenue each recorded 10. Topeka traffic engineers said driver behavior was a major factor, while also noting that roadway design and signage are areas the city can address.

When Kevin McManus Law investigates a traffic accident, we look at what actually happened at that intersection. Running a red light, distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, unsafe lane changes, and failing to yield can lead to rear-end, T-bone, sideswipe, and head-on collisions.

Are Busy Intersections Always More Dangerous?

Not necessarily. A high number of crashes doesn’t automatically mean an intersection has poor roadway design. More vehicles moving through an area can naturally increase the number of collisions, and different intersection designs can affect the severity of those crashes.

S.W. 21st and Urish Road is a good example. The intersection uses a roundabout, and a Topeka traffic engineer has explained that roundabouts typically have eight conflict points compared with 32 at traditional intersections. The design also forces vehicles to slow down, which can reduce the likelihood of high-speed T-bone collisions.

At Kevin McManus Law, we don’t assume that a crash at a known trouble spot was caused by the intersection itself. Police reports, witness statements, surveillance footage, vehicle damage, and the drivers’ actions can provide a much clearer picture.

What is Topeka Doing About Traffic Safety?

The city can respond to crash patterns through roadway improvements rather than relying on police enforcement alone. Traffic signal timing, pavement markings, street signs, lighting, crosswalks, and intersection design all play a role in traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

Some of Topeka’s higher-crash intersections have already drawn the city’s attention. After the 2023 numbers came out, the public works director pointed to a new signal system at S.W. 10th and Washburn/Lane. Improvements at S.E. 21st and Adams were also expected to receive future Kansas Department of Transportation grant funding.

Kevin McManus Law encourages drivers to pay particular attention around changing traffic patterns and construction. Roadway improvements can help, but they can’t prevent a distracted or impaired driver from making a dangerous decision.

How Can You Protect Yourself at High-Crash Intersections?

Defensive driving matters most when traffic gets complicated. Give yourself room behind the vehicle ahead, watch for cars entering your lane, and don’t accelerate just because a traffic signal is turning yellow. At night or during bad weather, poor visibility makes extra space even more important.

Be especially careful with left turns. Side-impact collisions can happen when a driver misjudges the speed of approaching traffic or tries to turn before the light changes. Looking beyond the first approaching vehicle can also help you spot motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians that are easier to miss.

We tell people who contact Kevin McManus Law that being cautious doesn’t mean you can control what everyone else does. Sometimes another driver makes a mistake before you have any realistic chance to avoid the crash.

What Should You Do After a Crash at a Topeka Intersection?

Get somewhere safe if you can, call law enforcement when appropriate, and seek medical attention for injuries. If the situation allows, take pictures of the vehicles, roadway, traffic signals, and anything else that may show how the crash occurred. Get witness details as well. Those details are much easier to collect at the scene than weeks later.

Kansas also limits how long many injured people have to bring a claim. Under K.S.A. § 60-513, certain actions for injury to the rights of another generally have a two-year statute of limitations, although the correct deadline depends on the facts and type of claim. Waiting can also make police reports, surveillance video, witness testimony, and other evidence harder to track down.

If someone else’s driving left you with medical bills, lost wages, or a serious injury, Kevin McManus Law can investigate what happened and deal with the insurance company on your behalf. Contact us for a free consultation to learn what options may be available after a Topeka car accident.