Accident alerts issued for nosiest Alexandria crossroads due to 318 brush-with-death incidents
In a comprehensive analysis of road safety, researchers Shuo (Ava) Qin and Sam Thomas have identified numerous hazards for pedestrians and cyclists in Alexandria, Virginia. The report, based on the analysis of 318 near-miss incidents over 18 months, between January 2024 and July 2025, has shed light on critical areas that require immediate attention.
The report, provided by Northern Virginia Families for Safe Streets, reveals that 85.03% of reported incidents involved people walking, while 14.33% involved cyclists. A staggering 47% of the incidents involved children, with most occurring during school commuting hours.
The analysis of these near-miss incidents has pinpointed several dangerous intersections in Alexandria. Mount Vernon Avenue and Herbert Street, for instance, have become notorious due to drivers failing to yield and visibility problems from overgrown trees. Similarly, Radford Street and West Braddock Road pose a threat due to the lack of traffic control devices like traffic lights or stop signs, and drivers failing to stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk.
Other high-risk locations include Duke Street and South Fayette Street, where vehicles in neither direction stopped despite the flashing signal, forcing pedestrians to take refuge in the median. The intersection of King Street and South Henry Street also presents a challenge, as cars on King Street are allowed to turn left before pedestrians can proceed.
East Braddock Road near Braddock Metro Station and the intersection of Hickory Street and Kennedy Street are additional problematic areas. At these locations, drivers routinely ignore the pedestrian crosswalk and flashing lights, highlighting the need for improved road safety measures.
The report suggests implementing complete street designs and supporting legislation to expand speed safety cameras in residential communities. It also calls for reducing vehicle speeds on high crash corridors such as Mount Vernon Avenue and King Street. Furthermore, Northern Virginia Families for Safe Streets proposes measures such as improved pedestrian crossings, enhanced traffic calming, better signage, and increased enforcement to improve driver safety at critical intersections in Alexandria.
However, the report also emphasizes the need for raising awareness about the near-miss reporting system, particularly in underserved communities. As the system was launched in 2022 after Alexandria secured a $45,000 grant, it is crucial to ensure that everyone has access to this valuable tool for improving road safety.
As of August 2025, Northern Virginia recorded 10 pedestrian and cyclist fatalities, with 2 occurring in Alexandria. The findings from this report aim to reduce these numbers and make Alexandria's streets safer for all users.
Read also:
- Health professional vaccination rates for the flu in 2024 hit a seven-year low
- European Commission introduces communication on strategies for protecting democracy and fundamental rights online
- Exploring the Health Benefits of Consuming Plum Liqueur Infused with Oats and Almonds
- Europe's mandatory vaccination programs advocated by health officials in the face of mounting disinformation
