New research shows some area intersections have an unusually high frequency of car accidents.
Using data from the Texas Department of Transportation, researchers at the University of Houston have identified 10 local intersections that had the highest number of accidents from March last year through Feb. 25 this year.
Most were at intersections within Loop 610 or near U.S. Highway 6.
- Pease Street and Fannin Street (59 crashes)
- Bissonnet Street and Westchester Avenue (41 crashes)
- Main Street and Montrose Boulevard (Mecom Fountain Roundabout) (39 crashes)
- FM 1960 and West Lake Houston Parkway (39 crashes)
- South Gessner Road and Westpark Drive (39 crashes)
- Spencer Road and Highway 6 (37 crashes)
- Highway 6 and Bellaire Boulevard (37 crashes)
- Treaschwig Road and FM 1960 (36 crashes)
- Clay Road and Barker Cypress Road (36 crashes)
- Highway 6 and Westheimer Road (36 crashes)
It's notable that Highway 6 appears on the list three times. FM 1960 shows up twice.
The research pointed out that the number of accidents was higher than in pre-COVID times, suggesting that lifestyle changes or new driving habits might have lowered vigilance.
At some intersections, road visibility is compromised. For example, at Pease and Fannin streets, the intersection is surrounded by many parking garages. At Bissonnet Street and Westchester Avenue, some views are blocked by large trees.
The Mecom Fountain Roundabout at Main Street and Montrose Boulevard contains numerous yield and stop signs that might confuse drivers. And unusual turn and merge conditions may be contributing factors on FM 1960 where it meets West Lake Houston Parkway and at FM 1960 at Treaschwig Road.