Charleston, WV Road Safety Overview
As the capital of West Virginia, Charleston is the most populated city in the state. Unsurprisingly, this makes it home to a lot of traffic, and like most areas with heavy traffic, there are a lot of car accidents in Charleston, WV. If you need to drive in or around Charleston, here is what you need to know to stay safe on the road.
Charleston, WV Checkpoints
In 2022, the Governor’s Highway Safety Program re-implemented checkpoints in Charleston after a temporary suspension. These checkpoints can appear in any part of the city. For example, in the past, they have been located at Garrison Ave and Pacific Drive. The results of restarting these checkpoints have been impressive so far.
Police are stopping all vehicles and citing anyone who isn’t wearing a seat belt, isn’t properly using child safety seats, or seems to be driving under the influence. A surprising number of people have been found to be violating these statutes at these checkpoints.
These checkpoints tend to be located on wide roads. It is an infraction to turn away from a checkpoint once in the designated zone. Therefore, the best way to avoid getting a ticket is to ensure that you are following all traffic laws at all times.
Navigating Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Charleston, WV
Are you planning to drive around Charleston? If so, it’s important to be aware of the most dangerous roads and intersections in the city — along with what you can do to lower your risk of getting into a car accident in these areas.
Charleston’s US-60
Perhaps the most dangerous road in Charleston is US-60. There is a fatal car accident on this road almost every year.
If you want to lessen your danger on US-60, you can check the traffic cameras on the highway. These cameras can help you avoid this highway during high-traffic periods. Alternatively, you can usually take the I-64 to get to most of the same places that the US-60 goes. This road is an interstate and is very well-maintained.
MacCorkle Avenue and 36th Street in Charleston
Also known as US-61, MacCorkle Avenue has several dangerous intersections. This intersection is particularly hazardous because 36th Street is a one-way street that crosses the river and lets you enter I-64.
There are few enough entrances to I-64 from this side of the river that traffic tends to be high at this intersection, day and night. If you are looking for another access point to the interstate, you will have to go several miles out of your way.
However, unless you need to get to the West Virginia International Yeager Airport, going out of your way may be the best choice. You won’t lose a great deal of time, and you will likely have a safer trip.
Charleston’s MacCorkle Avenue and Montrose Drive
This intersection features some of the same problems as the one on MacCorkle Avenue and 36th Street. Montrose Drive is a connector to I-64, and any other connector requires driving several miles along a crowded road.
The reason that MacCorkle Avenue is crowded in this area is that it is a commercial district, and this intersection is located near several popular businesses. Effectively, this intersection is both the entrance to a heavy shopping area and an entrance to the interstate.
Unless you need to get to the residential area south of this intersection, it is probably best to go around it. Traffic will be a little slow on the alternate routes, but it should be safer.
US-119 and Oakwood Road in Charleston, WV
US-119 has some similarities to US-61. It is a relatively major highway that travels through highly populated parts of the city. However, US-119 also has one significant difference: it is the only highway that travels southwest out of the city.
This is what leads to car accidents at the intersection with Oakwood Rd. Oakwood is the main access point to two major residential neighborhoods. This means that thousands of people use this intersection to get to downtown Charleston and other commercial areas.
If you live south of US-119, the best alternative to this intersection is a connector to US-61. However, this can require a lot of driving through residential areas to reach. If you live north of the highway, the best option is probably Cantley Drive, which is only optimal if you intend to head north.
Charleston’s US-119 and Green Road
The reason that this intersection is dangerous is because it serves as the main entrance to a major shopping complex south of the city. Traffic is very high in this area during popular shopping hours.
If you want to avoid the dangers of this intersection, you have a few options. The simplest option is to avoid shopping during these hours. Generally, this means not doing your shopping there on weekends or in the early evening. This will limit your shopping time but should also greatly lower your risk of having a car accident at this intersection.
The other option is to take Oakhurst Drive to this shopping complex rather than use US-119. It is a slightly less straightforward trip and will probably add at least five minutes to your drive, but it avoids the dangers of a busy intersection.
Planning Your Trip Can Help You Avoid Car Accidents in Charleston, West Virginia
The most dangerous roads and intersections in Charleston can all be avoided if you are willing to spend a little more time on the road. This means that you can increase your personal road safety in the city by getting started on your trip earlier and planning carefully ahead of time.
Keep in mind that alternate routes often involve residential roads, which can come with their own dangers. You can also opt to rearrange your schedule so that you can take the main routes during periods of lighter traffic.
Whichever approach you decide to take, with a bit of preparation, you can safely navigate Charleston roads.