While Richmond often draws headlines for traffic accidents, nearby cities like Hopewell and Petersburg are home to some of Virginia’s most dangerous intersections. Whether you’re commuting on Route 36, navigating through Crater Road, or heading toward Fort Gregg-Adams, knowing where the most crash-prone areas are can help you avoid serious injury.
At Burnett & Williams, we’ve seen how a split-second decision — especially involving distracted driving — can change lives forever. The following intersections represent the most hazardous in the Tri-Cities area, based on accident reports, local traffic flow, and personal injury claims handled in our practice.
1. Temple Avenue & Conduit Road (Colonial Heights, near Hopewell border)
Location: Commercial hub near Southpark Mall with high daily traffic.
Why it’s dangerous:
- High volume of merging vehicles from shopping centers
- Frequent distracted driving due to commercial distractions
- Short signal cycles leading to red-light running
This intersection is especially chaotic during weekends or holiday shopping seasons, where last-minute lane changes are common.
Safety Tip: Maintain a safe following distance and be prepared for sudden stops or turns. Drivers often make impulsive moves to reach a business entrance, which can result in rear-end collisions.
2. Route 36 & Route 10 (Hopewell City Center)
Location: Central Hopewell, just minutes from Fort Gregg-Adams’ main gate.
Why it’s dangerous:
- Heavy military and commercial traffic
- Complex, multilane intersections
- Inconsistent driving speeds among commuters, trucks, and military vehicles
This area sees constant fluctuation in traffic flow, especially during base shift changes, school hours, and local events.
Safety Tip: Give yourself extra stopping space during peak hours. If you’re not familiar with the intersection layout, plan your route ahead of time and avoid sudden lane changes.
3. Crater Road & Wagner Road (Petersburg)
Location: Southside Petersburg near I-95 Exit 50, a common route for through-traffic and long-distance commuters.
Why it’s dangerous:
- High-speed vehicles entering from I-95
- Poor visibility during early mornings and evenings
- Frequent signal confusion and backup congestion
Interstate traffic often spills into local roads without warning, and drivers unfamiliar with the area may miss critical signage.
Safety Tip: Slow down before making left turns, and never assume oncoming traffic will yield. This intersection is notorious for T-bone accidents caused by rushed turns during yellow lights.
4. Washington Street & Sycamore Street (Downtown Petersburg)
Location: Historic downtown, close to restaurants, businesses, and tourist spots.
Why it’s dangerous:
- Narrow, one-way streets and poor visibility
- Heavy pedestrian and tourist activity
- Frequent delivery truck stops and traffic obstruction
This intersection presents a unique hazard where vehicular and foot traffic intersect in tight quarters, especially during festivals and downtown events.
Safety Tip: Always yield to pedestrians, especially in crosswalks. Expect delays and maintain a slow, cautious pace in congested areas to avoid sideswipe accidents or pedestrian collisions.
5. Route 301 & East Washington Street (Eastern Petersburg)
Location: Residential-commercial mix near Blandford Cemetery and retail zones.
Why it’s dangerous:
- Speeding vehicles entering and exiting Route 301
- Dim lighting in early morning or nighttime conditions
- Sudden merges and lack of turn lanes
Drivers often underestimate the stopping distance needed at this intersection. Combined with poor lighting, this creates a recipe for serious rear-end or side-impact collisions.
Safety Tip: Use defensive driving tactics here — assume the other driver may run the light or change lanes without signaling. Keep headlights on at dusk or during overcast weather.
Accidents Happen, Even When You Drive Safely
Even the most careful driver can become the victim of a distracted, reckless, or inattentive motorist. Many of the crashes we see at these intersections are caused by:
- Texting while driving
- Speeding through yellow lights
- Failing to yield at turns
- Driving under the influence
- Fatigued or drowsy driving
When a driver’s negligence causes injury, Virginia law entitles victims to seek compensation. However, Virginia also follows a “pure contributory negligence” rule, meaning if you’re even 1% at fault, you may be barred from recovery — another reason why choosing the right personal injury attorney matters.
If You’re Injured in a Crash in Hopewell or Petersburg, Act Fast
If you or a loved one is injured in an accident near any of these intersections, take the following steps:
- Call 911 – File a police report and request medical assistance.
- Document the scene – Photos of the intersection, damage, and any signs or lights can help prove fault.
- Seek medical attention immediately – Even minor pain may signal serious injury.
- Avoid talking to insurance adjusters without legal counsel.
- Contact a local personal injury lawyer – Time is critical. Evidence can disappear quickly at busy intersections.
How Our Team Can Help
At Burnett & Williams, we’ve represented injury victims from Hopewell to Petersburg and Colonial Heights to Chesterfield. With decades of combined experience, Attorneys Charles James Williams III and Kimberly Raab understand how traffic patterns, road design, and human error contribute to crashes in these exact intersections.
We help clients:
- Investigate the crash scene and gather supporting evidence
- Access phone records to prove texting and driving
- Negotiate or litigate with insurance companies
- Recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
We also work to uncover whether the other driver had a history of reckless behavior, and if so, we pursue maximum damages, including punitive damages where appropriate.
Contact Your Local Legal Advocates Today
If you or someone you care about has been injured at one of the Tri-Cities’ most dangerous intersections, don’t wait. The sooner you act, the better your chances of securing the compensation you deserve.
Burnett & Williams – Proven Results. Trusted Representation. Committed to Your Recovery.
Let us help you turn a difficult moment into a path toward justice.
