Overland Park is a wonderful community where families thrive and businesses flourish. However, while it is a great place to live, there are certain intersections that are more dangerous than others. If you’ve ever felt uneasy merging onto I-435 or driving at the super busy intersection of 135th and US 69, you’re not alone.
Understanding where and why accidents happen can help you stay safe on the road. More importantly, if you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash, knowing your legal options can make all the difference in your recovery.
Here are some of the most dangerous Overland Park intersections so you and your family can remain safe while driving around OPKS.
The 5 Most Dangerous Overland Park Intersections
Here is data from the Overland Park, Kansas, crash map:
1. I-35 & 75th Street
This intersection and area have seen over 120 car accidents in the past year, many of which resulted in injuries and even permanent disabilities. With residential neighborhoods and business centers nearby, there are quick side streets that create confusion to drivers.
2. US 69 & 135th Street
This intersection made one of the most dangerous Overland Park streets. The rapid growth in this part of Overland Park has brought increased traffic that the infrastructure struggles to accommodate. Left turns across multiple lanes and limited sightlines contribute to frequent collisions.
3. US 69 & 119th Street
This intersection has seen over 120 accidents in the past year. With numerous side streets that lead to businesses and homes, this intersection gets a lot of traffic throughout the day. It’s important to be vigilant when driving in this area.
4. I-435 & Quivira Road
This intersection is one of the most crash-prone locations in Overland Park, Kansas. In the past year, there have been over 60 crashes in this area, with many of them resulting in injury. Drivers unfamiliar with the area often find themselves caught off guard by sudden merges and congestion.
5. 75th Street & Metcalf Avenue
This intersection sees heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic due to nearby shopping centers and restaurants. Distracted drivers checking their phones in parking lot traffic often fail to notice changing signals or pedestrians in crosswalks.
Why These Intersections Are So Dangerous
Several factors combine to make these intersections particularly hazardous. Understanding why can help you drive more safely in these areas.
- Construction Zones: Ongoing roadwork creates confusion. Lane closures, detours, and changing traffic patterns force drivers to make split-second decisions. Streets like 135th and Metcalf Ave are frequently under construction, making it riskier to drive through there.
- Traffic Volume: Overland Park’s residential and commercial growth means more cars on the road and people in the area. This leads to more traffic jams and more accidents, especially during busy times. Intersections that link highways to local streets get hit hardest by this extra traffic.
- Complex Layouts: Multi-lane intersections with multiple turn options can overwhelm drivers. When you add merging traffic from highway on-ramps, the complexity increases rapidly. Split-second decisions become necessary, and mistakes carry serious consequences.
- Limited Visibility: Some intersections suffer from poor sightlines due to hills, curves, or inadequate lighting. This makes it difficult to spot oncoming traffic or pedestrians, particularly during early morning or evening hours.
Common Contributing Factors to Car Crashes in Overland Park
There are a number of reasons you could be the victim of a car accident. According to the Kansas Traffic Crash Facts Book, there were over 2,000 alcohol-related car accidents in Kansas in 2023. Also, distracted driving accounts for nearly 18% of all crashes across the state, which is the leading cause of accidents.
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding and Aggressive Driving
- Impaired Driving
- Weather Conditions
- Inexperienced Drivers
- Failing to Yield and Improper Lane Changes
Staying Safe at Overland Park’s Dangerous Intersections
You can’t control other drivers, but you can take steps to protect yourself and your passengers.
- Stay Focused: Put your phone away, set navigation before driving, and keep conversations light.
- Follow Traffic Rules: Stick to speed limits, stop fully at signals, and use turn signals.
- Service Your Car: Regularly check brakes, tires, lights, and wipers to avoid malfunctions.
- Adapt to Conditions: Slow down on wet or icy roads, increase following distance, and use headlights in low visibility.
- Be Cautious in High-Risk Areas: Stay alert at dangerous intersections and scan for hazards early.
- Don’t Drive Tired or Impaired: Fatigue impacts driving like alcohol; rest or let someone else drive.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Overland Park
Despite your best efforts, accidents can still happen. Knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath protects your health, your legal rights, and your future recovery.
- Ensure Everyone’s Safety
- Call the Police
- Exchange Information
- Document the Scene and Gather Evidence
- Seek Medical Attention
- Contact an Attorney
Continue Reading: What to Do After a Car Accident in Kansas City
Stay Safe on Overland Park Roads
According to K.S.A. 60-513, in Kansas, the statute of limitations for filing a car accident claim is two years from the date of the accident. The most dangerous Overland Park intersections will likely continue to see accidents as people continue to drive negligently. While we can’t eliminate all risks, awareness and caution go a long way toward preventing crashes.
Drive defensively, stay alert, and give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely. If you do find yourself involved in a car accident, take the proper steps to protect your health and legal rights.
The Law Offices of Peter A. Jouras, Jr. is here to help if you need guidance after a car crash in Overland Park. Your recovery matters, and you deserve compassionate, experienced legal representation.
Reach out today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can assist you during this challenging time. We are located in Overland Park, Kansas, and serve the entire Kansas City metropolitan area, including Kansas City, Missouri.
Contact us online today to schedule a free consultation or call us at (913) 677-1999.
