When you're driving around Clearwater, it's hard not to notice how busy the roads are, especially around places like Gulf to Bay Boulevard or US-19. Intersections, in particular, can feel chaotic.
Intersections are designed to do a lot in a very small space. They bring together cars, bikes, pedestrians, and sometimes even buses, all moving in different directions, all trying to get through as quickly as possible. That’s a lot of opportunities for mistakes, which is why the most common type of car accident in Clearwater is intersection collisions.
Furthermore, when you think about car accidents, you might picture a highway crash or maybe someone getting rear-ended in traffic. But in Clearwater, most accidents don’t happen that way. They happen at intersections, those places where roads meet.
You’d think intersections would be safer, especially with traffic signals, stop signs, and clear road markings. But oddly enough, they’re where the worst mistakes usually happen.
Clearwater Accident Stats
In 2021, Clearwater saw 3,993 traffic crashes. Out of those, 3,551 were vehicle-to-vehicle collisions. A huge chunk of those happened at intersections.
Intersections are where decisions happen fast, judgment matters most, and the risk of human error is highest. Drivers are navigating left turns, right turns, merging, stopping, and starting, all while watching for pedestrians, traffic lights, signs, and other cars. One small mistake is usually all it takes for vehicles to ram into each other.
The Root of the Problem
Most of these accidents don’t happen because of crazy weather or mechanical failures. They happen because drivers make mistakes.
A huge portion of intersection crashes comes down to driver error. Think of someone making a left turn without realizing how fast the oncoming car is going. Or someone blasting through a red light because they thought they could make it. That’s misjudgment, not malfunction.
Sometimes, drivers simply don’t yield when they’re supposed to. Maybe they’re not sure whose turn it is. Or they’re impatient and try to squeeze through before someone else. In Clearwater, where many roads feed into tourist spots, shopping centers, and neighborhoods, this kind of behavior shows up all the time.
And then there’s distraction. It’s not just texting (though that’s a big one). It can be changing the music, checking GPS, or glancing at your passenger mid-conversation. Even a second of not looking at the road can mean missing a pedestrian in a crosswalk or a car coming from the other direction.
What Makes These Intersections So Risky?
Some intersections in Clearwater are particularly dangerous, not just because of how drivers behave, but because of how the roads are built and how busy they are. Let’s look at what makes them tricky:
● Poor visibility: A large vehicle blocking your view, a building right at the corner, or even rain and fog can make it hard to see what’s coming.
● Complex layouts: Intersections with more than four roads, like 5-point intersections or weird Y-shaped ones, can confuse even experienced drivers.
● Heavy pedestrian and bike traffic: Places like Fort Harrison Avenue or Gulfview Boulevard are full of walkers and cyclists. If drivers aren’t watching closely, someone’s going to get hit.
● High traffic volume: Roads like FL-60 or US-19 are packed. More cars mean more chances for crashes.
Types of Crashes That Happen at Intersections
Not every crash looks the same. At intersections, the layout and the kind of error involved usually determine what kind of collision occurs. These are the most common:
● T-bone accidents: This is when one car slams into the side of another, usually from someone running a red light or turning into traffic.
● Rear-end collisions: This is often caused by following too closely or stopping suddenly.
● Sideswipes: These happen when someone changes lanes or drifts without checking their blind spot.
● Head-on crashes: Although rare, these happen when a driver crosses into oncoming traffic.
● Pedestrian and bicycle accidents: These types of accidents are especially common in busy areas with lots of foot traffic.
The Most Dangerous Intersections in Clearwater
Some places in Clearwater are just known for being trouble spots. These intersections see heavy traffic, have a lot of pedestrians and cyclists, and are surrounded by restaurants, shops, and beach access points, all of which create distractions and chaos.
Here are a few intersections that regularly see crashes:
● FL-60/Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Belcher Road
● Cleveland Street and Fort Harrison Avenue
● Chestnut Street and Fort Harrison Avenue
● Gulfview Boulevard and Hamden Drive
What’s common across these intersections is high traffic, a mix of locals and tourists, and lots of nearby businesses. That combo means everyone’s trying to get somewhere fast, often while distracted or unfamiliar with the area.
How to Drive Safer in Clearwater
You can’t control what other drivers do. But you can lower your chances of being part of one of these crashes. This is the second and final time we’ll use bullet points, and it’s worth it:
● Slow down near intersections, even if you have the green light.
● Always double-check before making a turn, especially left turns.
● Put your phone away completely.
● Look out for bikes and pedestrians, especially in busy areas.
● Don’t rush. Intersections are where patience literally saves lives.
