STARK CO., Ohio — A Stark County Area Transportation study is revealing the most dangerous intersections in the area.
Using data from 2022, 2023, and 2024, the study considers the number of crashes, the rate of crashes, and the severity of those accidents. That data also leads to suggestions on what can be done to improve the safety of these intersections.
Below are the top three most dangerous intersections:
NUMBER 3: Dressler Road and Everhard Road
This six-lane intersection is operated by traffic signals, but those can't even seem to stop crashes from happening. In 2024, there were 20 crashes at the intersection. The study says Dressler and Everhard stay on its radar because it is a high-traffic area due to several shopping centers. This road may disappear from the list soon, as crews have been making safety adjustments, like lane widening, over the summer.
NUMBER 2: Walnut Avenue and 15th Street Northeast
This intersection, located in Canton, also has a problem of drivers failing to stop. The study said it's for a different reason.
"We think there might be some issues with the visibility of the stop sign," Nick Loukas, traffic engineer with the City of Canton, said.
Loukas said the city has been trying to make adjustments over the years to make the intersection safer. The study is now recommending that the city install a flashing light ahead of the stop sign. Moving lights and trimming trees are other recommendations from the study.
NUMBER 1: State Route 173 and Paris Avenue
Located in Marlboro Township, the most dangerous intersection in a rural part of the county. There were 22 crashes from 2022 to 2024 at the intersection, and most of the crashes were caused by a failure to yield.
This intersection could also remove itself from the list thanks to safety improvements. The Ohio Department of Transportation said it plans to build a roundabout at the intersection.
"We're thinking we could have that sometime in 2028 or 2029," Justin Chesnic, an ODOT spokesperson, said.
See below for the full study:
