The Most Accident-Prone Roads in the Greater Rochester Area

Every city has a few roads that drivers approach with extra caution. In Rochester, New York, that list is longer than most. The Greater Rochester Area, including Monroe County, sees a steady number of collisions each year. Some roads carry higher risk. Whether it's aggressive merges, poor visibility, or a heavy mix of traffic types, some stretches have gained a reputation for danger. If you live, work, or travel in Rochester, knowing which roads see more accidents can help you stay alert and prepared.

At Horn Wright, LLP, we understand how overwhelming a car crash can feel. Our team of Rochester car accident lawyers has worked with countless Rochester residents and families who’ve dealt with serious collisions. We investigate every detail, help you understand your rights, and pursue real results so you can focus on healing. If you’ve been hurt in a crash on one of these roads or anywhere in Monroe County, we’re here to take that stress off your shoulders. 

Why Certain Roads in Rochester See More Accidents

Some Rochester roads deal with far more traffic than others. But it’s not just traffic volume that makes a stretch more dangerous. Road design, signage, lighting, and weather all play a role. The Greater Rochester Area also sees some of the most unpredictable driving conditions in New York. Between icy winters, lake-effect snow, and freeze-thaw cycles, even well-maintained roads become hazardous.

The city's traffic patterns, especially near key arteries like I-490 and I-390, also cause issues. Drivers coming off these highways often make fast decisions. Merges, short ramps, and quick lane changes leave little room for error.

Distraction plays a large role. Like many cities, Rochester has seen a rise in phone-related crashes. Add in poor visibility or an unexpected slowdown, and crashes become more likely.

Local Risk Factors That Affect Monroe County Drivers

Some hazards are harder to spot until it’s too late. Monroe County drivers face seasonal challenges as well as infrastructure gaps. Here are a few risk factors that show up again and again in local crash reports:

• Sudden weather changes, especially snow or freezing rain
• Poorly timed traffic lights near busy intersections
• Sharp curves or hidden driveways on rural roads
• Heavy foot traffic in mixed-use neighborhoods

Urban zones near Rochester’s center, like Main Street and East Avenue, tend to see more pedestrian-involved crashes. Meanwhile, out in areas like Henrietta and Brighton, higher-speed collisions happen near shopping centers and campus zones.

Lake Avenue (Route 18) – Where Speed Meets Distraction

Lake Avenue stretches from downtown Rochester up toward the lakefront. It’s one of the city's most traveled north-south roads. The problem is that it runs through both residential and commercial areas. Between Driving Park Avenue and Ridgeway Avenue, drivers move fast. But that section also sees frequent crosswalk use, turning traffic, and bus stops.

Kodak Center brings in event crowds, and Maplewood Park adds foot traffic. Accidents here often involve pedestrians or rear-end collisions caused by sudden stops. Visibility can also dip near dusk, especially in winter.

While traffic enforcement has improved in recent years, this stretch remains high-risk.

I-490 – Fast Merges and Limited Reaction Time

Interstate 490 runs right through the heart of Rochester. It’s essential for commuters, delivery drivers, and anyone heading downtown. But its design makes it dangerous, especially near the Inner Loop East and Goodman Street exits.

Tight ramps, short merge zones, and inconsistent lane markings create confusion. During peak traffic hours, drivers weave between lanes, often with little warning. Crashes here usually involve side-swipes or sudden braking.

Rush hour sees a significant spike in fender benders. In winter, the elevated sections freeze faster than ground-level roads. That makes even routine commutes risky.

West Ridge Road (Route 104) – Unpredictable Flow and Blind Spots

Route 104 in Greece and Irondequoit sees a high number of collisions. West Ridge Road in particular mixes highway-speed sections with retail zones. Drivers exit the expressway and suddenly face traffic lights, parking lot exits, and quick left turns.

The area near Long Pond Road and Northgate Plaza is especially active. Shopping traffic, delivery trucks, and fast food drive-thrus all feed into the flow. It’s not uncommon for drivers to miss a turn or change lanes at the last second. That’s where trouble begins.

Poor lighting and limited sightlines near large signs and billboards make reaction time even shorter.

East Henrietta Road (Route 15A) – Student Drivers and Speeders Collide

East Henrietta Road serves as a connector between residential areas and the University of Rochester Medical Center. It also passes Monroe Community College. That means a high mix of student drivers, buses, and commuters trying to beat the clock.

Crashes tend to happen where left turns cross traffic or where drivers slow down suddenly to make an entrance. This is common near Brighton-Henrietta Town Line Road and Crittenden Boulevard.

During morning and evening hours, traffic stacks up fast. Patience runs thin. And when that happens, collisions follow.

Dangerous Intersections in Rochester

While some stretches are bad end to end, others have trouble spots right at the corners. These intersections have seen repeated issues year after year:

• Lyell Avenue & Mt. Read Boulevard – Heavy truck traffic, poor signal timing
• Jefferson Road & Marketplace Drive – Too many access points near big-box stores
• Monroe Avenue & Clover Street – Confusing left-turn rules, limited visibility

In these locations, it’s not always speed that causes crashes. It's the layout. Too many entry points, unclear signage, and poor lighting create moments where even careful drivers make mistakes.

Rural Roads in Monroe County – Hidden Risks After Dark

Once you leave central Rochester, the risks change but don’t disappear. Rural roads in towns like Webster, Scottsville, and Mendon offer fewer traffic signals. But they come with their own hazards.

Scottsville Road, for instance, sees crashes caused by:

• Deer crossings, especially in the fall
• Sharp turns without warning signs
• Infrequent lighting in long stretches

Lake Road in Webster becomes icy fast during lake-effect snow. Without shoulders or safe pull-offs, minor mistakes can turn serious.

Some of these roads also lack regular plowing after storms. That’s when rear-end crashes and run-offs spike.

Monroe County road maintenance schedules can offer updates for drivers who commute through these zones.

When Most Rochester Crashes Happen

Knowing where crashes happen helps. But knowing when gives drivers an edge. Data from Monroe County’s traffic safety reports show these patterns:

• Fridays between 4–6 p.m. see the most collisions
• First snowfall events each season spike accident reports
• Late-night hours on weekends often involve impaired drivers

Winter months, especially January and February, bring more multi-vehicle pileups. Meanwhile, spring and summer see more pedestrian and bicycle collisions, especially near parks and festivals.

Distracted driving remains a top cause in nearly all seasons. Whether it’s texting, adjusting navigation, or managing a playlist, momentary lapses lead to major consequences.

What the City and County Are Doing About It

Rochester and Monroe County haven’t ignored the problem. Several programs aim to make roads safer. In recent years, the city rolled out traffic calming efforts along East Main Street and around School No. 9.

Red-light cameras were removed, but radar speed signs now alert drivers in problem zones. The county also runs seasonal awareness campaigns about distracted and impaired driving.

Ongoing intersection redesigns, like those at Goodman Street and Main Street, help improve visibility and reduce conflict points. Still, many of the most dangerous roads await long-term fixes tied to state funding.

Stay Safe Out There. And If You’re Hurt, We’re Here.

You can’t control every road hazard in Rochester. But you can drive with more awareness when you know where problems often arise. Whether it’s Lake Avenue or I-490, being alert helps reduce risk. If you or someone you love does get hurt in a crash, Horn Wright, LLP, is here to help. 

Our Rochester-based attorneys understand the challenges local drivers face. We dig into every detail and fight for what’s fair. You take care of yourself, we’ll handle the rest.