Crashes on the Rise: Where Metro Vancouver Drivers Face the Most Risk
Picture this: You’re cruising through Metro Vancouver, maybe running late or just trying to get home. Suddenly, you hit an intersection known for fender-benders, near-misses, or worse. According to the latest data from ICBC, these trouble spots are seeing more crashes than ever, and knowing where they are could make all the difference for your safety on the road.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Collision Stats You Need to Know
In 2024, the Lower Mainland saw a staggering 202,420 crashes. Out of those, 36,388 involved injuries or fatalities. Even more eye-opening, intersection collisions spiked to 82,988—an increase of nearly 5,000 compared to last year. Clearly, intersections remain the epicenter of risk for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Intersections Revealed
So, where should you be extra alert? ICBC’s data pinpoints these intersections as the region’s most hazardous:
Delta & Richmond: Alex Fraser Bridge & Cliveden Ave (Highway 91 on/offramp) – 481 crashes
Langley: 264 St. & 56 Ave. (Highway 1 on/offramp) – 440 crashes
Vancouver: Knight St. & SE Marine Dr. (on/offramp) – 352 crashes
Coquitlam & New Westminster: Brunette Ave. & Trans-Canada Hwy. (on/offramp) – 331 crashes
Burnaby: Grandview Hwy. & Trans-Canada Hwy. (on/offramp) – 309 crashes
Langley: 200 St. & 88 Ave. (Trans-Canada Hwy. on/offramp) – 292 crashes
Coquitlam: Coleman Ave. & Fawcett Rd. (Highway 7 on/offramp) – 245 crashes
Vancouver: E 1st Ave. & Rupert St. (Trans-Canada Hwy. on/offramp) – 239 crashes
Langley: 232 St. & 72 Ave. (Trans-Canada Hwy. on/offramp) – 234 crashes
North Vancouver: Dollarton Hwy. & Ironworkers Memorial Bridge (on/offramp) – 230 crashes
These intersections, mostly clustered around highway on- and off-ramps, demand your full attention every time you pass through.
Pedestrians at Risk: The Most Dangerous Crossing
While drivers face plenty of hazards, pedestrians aren’t spared. The intersection at Carrall St. and E Hastings and W Hastings St. was the most perilous for those on foot in 2024, with 10 people struck there last year. It’s a sobering reminder that everyone—whether behind the wheel or on the sidewalk—needs to stay alert.
What’s Fueling the Surge? Speed, Distraction, and More
Why are accidents climbing? ICBC points to a few main culprits: speeding, impaired driving, and distractions. Notably, speed has become the leading cause of fatal crashes, overtaking other factors in 2023. With so many drivers in a hurry, the risk is ever-present, especially at these notorious intersections.
How to Stay Safe: Tips for Navigating High-Risk Intersections
You can’t always avoid these intersections, but you can reduce your risk by:
Slowing down as you approach
Staying alert for sudden lane changes or red-light runners
Keeping distractions—like your phone—out of reach
Watching for pedestrians, especially at busy crossings
The Bottom Line
Metro Vancouver’s roads are busier than ever, and intersection crashes are on the rise. Knowing where the danger zones are—and why they’re risky—can help you make safer choices every time you drive. Stay vigilant, follow the rules, and you’ll help make these intersections a little less dangerous for everyone.
