Pinellas County, FL — Clearwater’s Most Dangerous Intersections: What Drivers Need to Know

Pinellas County, FL (May 1st, 2025) – A local organization, Forward Pinellas, will begin surveying one of the most dangerous intersections in Clearwater. Once complete, the surveys will inform the proposal of safety solutions to help reduce the occurrence of motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents in the area.

Clearwater’s sunny roads aren’t always safe. Some of the busiest intersections in the city have become crash magnets, with hundreds of accidents reported in just a few years. Whether you’re a local driver, cyclist, or pedestrian, you’ve likely experienced the congestion, or seen the aftermath, at one of these trouble spots.

Clearwater’s Most Accident-Prone Intersections

Some intersections in Clearwater see more crashes than others—and it’s not by accident. High traffic volume, poor lane design, and limited visibility make certain spots far more dangerous. These intersections consistently rank among the worst in Pinellas County for serious collisions, which may result in life-threatening injuries, according to crash data and local reports. 

Gulf to Bay Boulevard and Belcher Road

This location connects two major Clearwater corridors and has long been the focus of safety concerns. Left-turn crashes are a frequent problem here, especially when drivers misjudge how much time they have or try to beat yellow lights. Pedestrian safety is another major issue, given the number of shopping centers and bus stops nearby.

The city and county are finally taking steps to address the danger at this intersection. Pinellas County and the Florida Department of Transportation are exploring improvements like:

• Adding a southbound right-turn lane from Belcher Road onto Gulf to Bay
• Converting the northbound right-turn lane into a dedicated through lane
• Widening parts of Gulf to Bay
• Upgrading crosswalk signals and pedestrian infrastructure

These potential projects are still under review, but local officials are aiming to reduce congestion and make the intersection safer for everyone. Public feedback will play a role in shaping the final plan.

U.S. Highway 19 and Gulf to Bay Boulevard (SR 60)

This intersection is among the most heavily trafficked, and most dangerous, in Clearwater. U.S. 19 cuts through the heart of the city, while Gulf to Bay Boulevard (State Road 60) leads directly to the beach. The result of the intersection of these roads is constant congestion, fast-moving traffic, and a high number of rear-end collisions and red-light crashes.

U.S. Highway 19 and Drew Street

Another dangerous intersection just north of SR 60, U.S. 19 and Drew Street sees frequent accidents, especially during morning and evening commutes. Merging traffic, poor visibility, and driver impatience all contribute to serious collisions, including those involving motorcycles and pedestrians.

SR 686 (Roosevelt Blvd) and 34th Street North

Though not as widely discussed in the media, this intersection continues to be a danger zone, especially for trucks and commercial vehicles entering or exiting nearby industrial areas. Poor visibility and confusing traffic patterns make it a hotspot for sideswipe and T-bone crashes.

What Makes These Intersections So Dangerous?

Clearwater’s roadways weren’t built to accommodate current traffic levels. Rapid growth, outdated infrastructure, and poor driving habits combine to create serious risk in certain areas.

Common contributing factors include:

• High-speed roads intersecting with high-volume connectors
• Lack of turn lanes or poorly timed signals
• Limited visibility due to landscaping or signage
• Distracted drivers navigating unfamiliar intersections
• Inadequate infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists

And while some areas, like Belcher and Gulf to Bay, may soon benefit from upgrades, many intersections are still waiting for attention. Until then, drivers are left to navigate outdated layouts and dangerous merges.

Common Types of Crashes at Clearwater Intersections

Crash reports from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) show that intersection-related accidents in Clearwater tend to fall into a few specific categories.

Drivers frequently experience:

• T-bone or side-impact crashes when someone runs a red light
• Rear-end collisions during sudden stops at yellow lights
• Sideswipe accidents caused by improper lane changes or merging
• Pedestrian or cyclist impacts when crosswalks are ignored or hard to see

These accidents often lead to serious injuries. Common outcomes include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal injuries, some of which have lifelong effects. A dedicated Clearwater personal injury lawyer may help those who have experienced such injuries to pursue legal action.

Who Is Responsible for Intersection Accidents?

Intersection crashes often seem straightforward, but liability can be more complicated than it looks. Multiple parties may share responsibility depending on what caused the accident and the conditions at the time.

Driver Negligence Is a Leading Cause

Most intersection crashes happen because a driver made a mistake. Running a red light, failing to yield the right of way, speeding, or driving distracted are all common examples of negligence. If another driver violated a traffic law and caused the crash, they may be held legally and financially responsible.

Road Design and Maintenance Can Play a Role

In some cases, the city or state may be partially liable. Intersections with outdated traffic signals, poorly marked lanes, or blocked visibility can contribute to serious crashes. If a government agency failed to maintain or upgrade dangerous infrastructure, that failure may be a factor in your case.

Vehicle Issues or Defects Might Be a Factor

Accidents don’t always stem from human error alone. Faulty brakes, defective steering systems, or malfunctioning safety features can cause or worsen a crash. If a vehicle defect contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or a repair shop may be partly responsible.

Construction Zones and Detours Can Create Hazards

Ongoing construction often makes Clearwater intersections harder to navigate. If road work created confusing lane shifts or removed important signage, the contractor or the government agency overseeing the project could be held accountable—especially if the conditions violated safety standards.

Shared Fault Under Florida’s Comparative Negligence Law

Florida uses a comparative negligence system, which means more than one party can share legal responsibility for a crash. Even if you’re partially at fault, for example, if you were speeding, you can still recover compensation. Your final settlement may simply be reduced based on your share of fault.

Clearwater’s roads are more crowded than ever, and intersection safety is a growing concern. Until infrastructure improvements like those proposed at Belcher and Gulf to Bay are complete, it’s up to drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to stay alert and navigate with caution.

If you’ve been injured in a crash at one of these dangerous intersections, don’t leave your case up to chance. Our dedicated Clearwater car accident lawyers at Light & Wyatt Law Group can help you take the right steps, and pursue the compensation you need to move forward. Call 727-499-9900 today for a free initial consultation. 

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association