According to the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles Crash Facts, 907 lives were lost in 127,597 crashes in 2023. Kalfus & Nachman, the trusted personal injury law firm in Virginia, helps motorists identify the top six most dangerous cities to drive in Southeast Virginia to help them stay cautious on the roads. Understanding these risks can prevent accidents and protect drivers from potential harm.
Southeast Virginia is home to vibrant cities, scenic landscapes, and busy highways. However, some of these cities have developed a reputation for dangerous driving conditions due to heavy traffic, congested roads, geographic hazards, and high accident rates. Here's the list:
1. Virginia Beach: The sheer volume of visitors combined with local traffic contributes to accidents, particularly on busy roadways like I-264 and US-58. During the summer months, when tourism peaks, accident rates tend to increase due to distracted driving and unfamiliarity with the roads. Here are the total crash facts (year 2023):
- Crashes: 5,194
- Fatalities: 36
- Injuries: 2,578
2. Hampton: As one of the most dangerous cities to drive in Southeast Virginia, Hampton faces a high volume of traffic, particularly on I-64, which connects the city to other major areas in the Hampton Roads region. This interstate sees frequent accidents due to congestion, road construction, and impatient drivers. Many local intersections are also notorious for rear-end collisions and T-bone crashes. Here are the total crash facts (year 2023):
- Crashes: 3,404
- Fatalities: 21
- Injuries: 3,649
3. Chesapeake: Chesapeake's mix of rural areas and busy suburbs creates unique driving challenges. Drivers may face hazards like wildlife on country roads and congestion on Route 168, a key route for beachgoers. The blend of fast and slow-moving traffic, along with road construction, makes Chesapeake one of Southeast Virginia's most dangerous cities to drive in. Here are the total crash facts (year 2023):
- Crashes: 2,601
- Fatalities: 17
- Injuries: 1,665
4. Norfolk: Norfolk’s tight streets, coupled with a significant number of pedestrians and cyclists, make driving particularly hazardous. Intersections along Tidewater Drive and Military Highway are frequently the site of accidents, and rush-hour congestion is notorious in this busy city. Norfolk’s total crash facts (year 2023) include:
- Crashes: 4,369
- Fatalities: 15
- Injuries: 2,248
5. Portsmouth: With many narrow streets and complicated intersections, Portsmouth is prone to accidents. U.S. Route 17, a major thoroughfare, experiences frequent traffic jams and high crash rates. In Portsmouth, aggressive driving and speeding contribute to making it one of the most dangerous cities to drive in Southeast Virginia. Portsmouth’s total crash facts (year 2023) include:
- Crashes: 1,438
- Fatalities: 12
- Injuries: 1,087
6. Newport News: Newport News, like other cities in the Hampton Roads area, sees significant traffic along major roadways such as Jefferson Avenue and Warwick Boulevard. The city has a history of fatal accidents, making it one of the region's more dangerous driving environments. Heavy truck traffic, construction zones, and frequent lane changes on these routes contribute to many collisions. Newport News’s total crash facts (year 2023) include:
- Crashes: 3,607
- Fatalities: 12
- Injuries: 1,654
Driving in any of these six cities—Hampton, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Chesapeake, and Norfolk—requires extra vigilance due to high traffic, congestion, and accident-prone areas. These cities are consistently listed among the most dangerous cities to drive in Southeast Virginia. At Kalfus & Nachman, we’re here to assist victims of car accidents, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve. If you are in an accident in one of these high-risk areas, our experienced auto accident attorneys are ready to help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights. Call us for a free consultation today: 855-880-8163