The Top Tempe Intersections for Pedestrian Accidents—and Why

Tempe’s Growing Danger Zones for Pedestrians

Walking around Tempe should be safe. Whether you're heading to class at ASU, crossing Mill Avenue to grab dinner, or walking your dog near Escalante, you should be able to rely on drivers to pay attention, obey traffic laws, and yield the right-of-way. But the truth is, certain intersections in Tempe are consistently dangerous for pedestrians—and the numbers back it up.

Pedestrian accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, and Tempe is no exception. Some intersections are particularly risky due to high-speed traffic, limited visibility, inadequate signage, or reckless driver behavior. If you've been hit—or if you walk these routes regularly—you need to know where the real risks are.

For those injured while crossing these hotspots, Tempe legal support is available to help victims understand their rights and pursue full compensation.

Broadway Road and Mill Avenue

Located near the heart of Downtown Tempe and just blocks from Arizona State University, the intersection at Broadway and Mill is a known problem area. It's not just the high volume of foot traffic—it’s the combination of heavy turning traffic, multiple crosswalks, and distracted drivers rushing to beat the light.

Pedestrians are often struck during left-hand turns or when cars fail to yield during right-on-red maneuvers. Students, residents, and commuters funnel through this corridor all day long, especially during class changes and evening rush hours.

If you're struck at an intersection like this, documentation matters. Make sure to preserve evidence quickly and review our pedestrian accident legal guide for next steps.

University Drive and Rural Road

Another notorious intersection, University and Rural, sees some of the highest accident rates in the city. It’s bordered by campus housing, retail spaces, and restaurants—all of which attract high pedestrian traffic at all hours.

The issue here isn’t just distracted driving. It’s visibility. Vehicles turning left onto Rural often don’t see pedestrians crossing with the signal, especially at night. Add in impatient drivers trying to beat traffic and cyclists weaving through, and it becomes a volatile environment for anyone on foot.

Tempe has attempted various safety improvements here, but the sheer volume of activity makes it one of the most dangerous intersections in the city. Victims hit in this area often suffer from long-term trauma. If emotional distress becomes part of your injury experience, review your options for psychological injury claims.

Apache Boulevard and McClintock Drive

As a light rail corridor, Apache and McClintock is another intersection with increased pedestrian activity—and increased danger. Many crashes happen when drivers try to turn across the tracks without noticing a pedestrian in the crosswalk or become distracted by the train schedule itself.

This area is especially hazardous at dusk and dawn when visibility is lower. And unlike other intersections, Apache's traffic patterns are more complex, with train crossings, pedestrian lights, and bus stops all interacting at once.

The risk for catastrophic injury in this area is significant. If you’re involved in a collision with multiple parties or unclear fault, check out how distracted drivers and complex liability can affect your case.

Baseline Road and Priest Drive

This intersection borders both residential neighborhoods and major commuter routes. Baseline and Priest sees less foot traffic than areas near ASU, but it's still one of the top areas for serious pedestrian collisions in South Tempe.

Why? Speed and aggressive driving. Unlike more congested areas where traffic slows naturally, drivers here often accelerate through yellow lights or take fast right turns without checking for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Children, elderly residents, and runners are often the ones who pay the price.

Many of these crashes involve uninsured drivers, which complicates claims further. Without insurance information, you’ll need to pursue alternative routes for coverage—often through your own policy.

Southern Avenue and Hardy Drive

Though less publicized, the intersection at Southern and Hardy is another danger zone. What makes it particularly risky is the lack of visibility at certain angles and narrow pedestrian waiting areas that put people close to the street.

This location is common for side-impact crashes and rear-end collisions involving drivers who don’t notice stopped traffic until it’s too late. If a pedestrian is struck during these secondary impacts, the injuries can be just as devastating as a direct hit.

Our legal guide for T-bone accidents covers how these chain-reaction crashes are investigated and how pedestrian victims can prove liability even when they're not the "initial" point of impact.

Why These Crashes Are Often Worse Than Vehicle-on-Vehicle Accidents

A pedestrian has no buffer—no airbags, no seatbelt, no steel cage around them. When a car hits a pedestrian, the body absorbs the full force of impact. Even a 10–15 mph crash can result in broken bones, internal bleeding, or spinal injuries. Higher speeds, like those often seen on Baseline or Priest, are frequently fatal.

In many cases, these injuries lead to permanent disability. If your crash resulted in long-term medical issues, especially spinal cord damage or paralysis, the damages may include extensive rehabilitation costs, home modifications, and loss of income.

Even minor injuries can come with major consequences if the emotional toll affects your ability to walk confidently again. That’s why pedestrian crash cases are often more complex—and deserve more than just basic insurance coverage.

What the City of Tempe Is Doing (and What It Isn’t)

Tempe has made progress with protected crosswalks, flashing lights, and pedestrian refuge islands at some intersections. But not all high-risk areas have been upgraded.

To stay updated on proposed improvements or file a request for better safety measures, residents can visit tempe.gov. For state-level crash data, enforcement policy, or pedestrian rights, consult az.gov or the Arizona Judicial Branch.

Still, infrastructure improvements take time. If you’ve been injured, don’t wait for policy to catch up—seek immediate support and hold the negligent party accountable now.

Final Word: Know the Intersections. Know Your Rights.

Tempe is a walkable city—but it’s not always a safe one. Knowing where the most dangerous intersections are can help you stay alert. But even the most cautious pedestrian can be blindsided by a distracted or reckless driver.

If that happens to you or someone you love, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to fight the insurance company by yourself. Reach out to a local Tempe legal team that understands the patterns, intersections, and legal complexities behind pedestrian accidents.