The Most Dangerous Street in New York 

New York traffic can feel like it’s out to get you. Whether it is drivers, pedestrians, or families, many of them have had those “heart in your throat” moments crossing a street or waiting at a light. While some may find this an exaggeration, certain corners and thoroughfares stand out for how risky they are. Let’s look at some accident-prone intersections and the most dangerous roads in New York City.

Staten Island & Brooklyn

Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn

If you’ve spent time driving or walking here, you know it doesn’t feel safe. With a high rate of injuries and fatalities, it is one of Brooklyn’s deadliest roads. Locals talk about speeding that never seems to stop, even with cameras installed and lower speed limits.

NYC road safety advocates have called Ocean Parkway “wide and dangerous,” and are pushing for more aggressive measures like speed-limiting technology.

McGuinness Boulevard, Brooklyn

This spot has earned its own reputation over the years, compared to Queens Boulevard’s notoriety, and is particularly hazardous for pedestrians. A 2014 redesign plan, including protected bike lanes and narrowed traffic, still hasn’t materialized.

Queens

Queens Boulevard (“Boulevard of Death”)

The nickname says a lot. This wide, fast-moving road has long been one of NYC’s deadliest. Hundreds of pedestrians have been injured over the decades, with deadly crossings that feel almost impossible to time. The city has added safety improvements, such as adding crossings, lowering speeds, and pedestrian refuges, but crossing here can still feel dangerous.

Woodhaven Boulevard

Once called the Boulevard of Death in Queens, Woodhaven still claims serious attention, not only from the DOT but also from neighbors. Poor lighting and wide multi-lane crossings make it dangerous, particularly around Jamaica Avenue.

Manhattan

Upper Broadway (155th–178th Streets)

This chunk of Broadway is deceptively narrow and congested. Double-parking is a regular sight, delivery trucks queue up, and everyone from drivers to pedestrians to cyclists shares the same cramped space. It’s a recipe for close calls.

Canal Street

If you’ve ever walked or ridden a bike here, you know why it’s on the list of unsafe streets in NYC. Canal is a collision of delivery trucks, pedestrians darting in all directions, bike couriers weaving, and taxis buzzing. It’s chaotic and accidents happen all the time.

Times Square Area

Everyone flocks here, but that doesn’t make it safe. Dense crowds, flashing lights, and distracted drivers create collision hotspots. Even slow traffic doesn’t make it less dangerous if you’re not seen or if people aren’t paying attention.

The Bronx

Grand Concourse

Picture a wide, multi-lane boulevard with buses and speeding drivers, all trying to get through. It’s been a staple in reports related to New York’s dangerous street accidents for years.

East 138th Street

Another grim highlight: over a 1.5-mile stretch, this road earned the unfortunate title of the most dangerous street for pedestrians in the metro area. Fatalities have occurred repeatedly due to reckless traffic and inadequate crossings.

Staten Island

Hylan Boulevard

This road is long, heavily traveled, and notoriously unsafe for pedestrians. A third of the borough’s traffic deaths have occurred here.

Across Boroughs: Highways & Expressways

• Belt Parkway (Brooklyn/Queens) consistently tops the list for accidents (more than a thousand accidents a year), resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities.
• Cross Bronx Expressway and Deegan at major intersections like Fordham Road are also notoriously treacherous in the Bronx, regularly appearing on police collision reports.
• Henry Hudson Parkway, Grand Concourse, Woodhaven Boulevard, and Hylan Boulevard also make frequent “most dangerous” listings due to high-speed traffic, poor pedestrian infrastructure, and older road designs not suited for today’s traffic volume.

Bridges, Approaches, and Tunnel Entrances

Some of the most dangerous spots aren’t streets, but portals —where bridges and tunnels merge into congested roads.

• Tillary Street & Flatbush Ave. (DUMBO) sits right by the Brooklyn Bridge entrance and the BQE. Drivers merging from multiple directions turn it into a mess of traffic and collisions.
• 2nd Avenue & East 59th Street, 42nd & 8th Ave., Linden Blvd & Pennsylvania Ave. in Queens, and Atlantic Ave. & Pennsylvania Ave. in Brooklyn are among NYC’s most collision-heavy intersections, averaging well over 100 crashes each year.

Dangerous Neighborhoods in New York 

When people talk about the most dangerous street in New York, conversations usually expand to entire areas that have established reputations as the most dangerous neighborhoods. Places like East New York, the South Bronx, Hunts Point, and East Harlem are generally highlighted. 

These dangerous areas face a mix of challenges: high crime rates, stubborn economic challenges, and ongoing safety concerns. Over the last few decades, residents have dealt with violent and property crimes, including street crimes, drug-related crimes, and even organized gang activity. 

The violent crime rate has been a significant concern, along with the property crime rate which reflects everything from theft to burglary. Add in issues like drug crimes, drug dealing, and gun violence, and it is clear why these challenging neighborhoods draw so much attention. 

Still, community policing, targeted policing efforts, and strong community engagement are helping. Community efforts and community policing efforts aimed at boosting community safety and personal safety show that even on busy streets, progress is possible despite the city’s economic struggles.

Choose the Leading NYC Auto Accident Attorneys

If you live, walk, or drive in New York City, staying alert matters, particularly in known hotspots. At Gray Injury Law, our NYC car accident lawyers know these corners well. We understand how city design, traffic patterns, and negligent driving can turn a routine commute into something life-altering. 

If you or someone you love has been injured at one of these dangerous locations, reach out to us. We’ve recovered over $300 million for our clients, and we fight for you like you’re part of our family. Stay safe out there, and if you need help dealing with the aftermath of an accident, we’re here for you. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 212-537-7000 or contact us online.