Dangers of I-5: The Most Accident-Prone Areas in Pierce and Thurston Counties

I-5 is Washington State’s busiest highway, serving commuters, truckers, and travelers every day. Unfortunately, it’s also a frequent site of accidents. Heavy traffic, ongoing construction, unpredictable weather, and risky driving behaviors (like tailgating and distractions) all play a role in making certain stretches more dangerous.

We recently researched which parts of I-5 in Pierce and Thurston Counties see the most serious crashes. In this post, we’ll share what we found, explore possible reasons these areas are high-risk, and offer tips to help you stay safe.

The Most Accident-Prone Areas on I-5 in Pierce and Thurston Counties

Using data from the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Crash Portal, we reviewed accident trends from 2020 to 2024. Our research revealed four “hotspots” where crashes are more frequent. For this post, we’re focusing on fatal and serious injury crashes. In other words, there are many more minor accidents that aren’t included in these numbers.

Tacoma’s Dome District (Near Exit 133 – I-705 & SR-7 Interchange)

Between 2020 and 2024, this stretch of I-5 saw 21 fatal and serious injury crashes, making it one of the most dangerous areas in Pierce County. Several factors contribute to the risks:

High traffic volume: This area is heavily used by commuters and eventgoers heading to the Tacoma Dome.
Frequent lane changes: Multiple key exits are packed into a short stretch, giving drivers little time to switch lanes for downtown Tacoma, Highway 16, and SR-7. Sudden lane changes and braking are common.
Ongoing congestion: Heavy traffic and past construction projects have created unpredictable slowdowns, leading to rear-end collisions and aggressive driving.

Drive safer: If possible, avoid this area during rush hour and be mindful of Tacoma Dome events, which can create traffic bottlenecks. Stay alert for merging drivers and sudden slowdowns. Give yourself plenty of time to switch lanes as many drivers make last-minute decisions here.

Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) Corridor (Exits 122–127)

The stretch of I-5 near JBLM can be deceptively dangerous. Between 2020 and 2024, this corridor saw 24 fatal and serious injury crashes, slightly more than the area around the Tacoma Dome. Several factors contribute to the risks:

Base shift changes: Heavy congestion forms during shift changes at JBLM, creating sudden slowdowns. When fast-moving traffic meets stop-and-go conditions, rear-end collisions become more likely, especially if drivers aren’t paying attention.
Frequent merging: Several major exits (Thorne Ln, Berkeley St, Gravelly Lake Dr, and SR-512) are packed into a short distance, leading to weaving traffic and last-minute lane changes.
Military convoys and large vehicles: Military convoys and transport vehicles regularly use this stretch of I-5. While these vehicles follow strict safety protocols, their presence can still affect traffic flow and require extra awareness from drivers.

Drive safer: Expect congestion, especially during early mornings and evenings when base traffic is heaviest. Stay patient, avoid aggressive lane changes near merging areas, and leave extra following distance to account for sudden slowdowns.

Fife (Exits 137 & 136)

Fife sees a lot of traffic—and a lot of accidents. Between 2020 and 2024, we counted 19 fatal and serious injury crashes around exits 136A and 137.

Here’s what makes this stretch particularly dangerous:

Heavy truck traffic: Many commercial trucks use these exits to access the Port of Tacoma and nearby industrial areas. Drivers unfamiliar with sharing the road with large trucks (or those short on patience) may take risks that lead to collisions.
Ongoing construction: Several recent construction projects in the area have altered traffic patterns and lowered speed limits, creating additional hazards.
Closely spaced exits: As we saw in the Tacoma Dome area, heavy traffic combined with back-to-back exits increases the likelihood of last-minute lane changes and sudden braking.

Drive safer: Stay predictable. Avoid weaving between lanes and sudden movements. Be mindful of large trucks, giving them extra space, as they have longer stopping distances and larger blind spots. Watch for temporary construction zones and reduced speed limits.

Hawks Prairie Interchange (Lacey – Exits 109–111)

Overall, we noted far more accidents on I-5 in Pierce County than in Thurston County. However, one high-risk stretch in Thurston County stood out: the Hawks Prairie Interchange, where we counted 11 fatal and serious injury crashes between 2020 and 2024.

Why is this area more accident-prone?

Multiple ramps: Several on- and off-ramps connect I-5 to US-101 and major local roads, leading to congestion and last-minute lane changes.
Transition zones: This area marks a shift between highway speeds and city driving, and some drivers misjudge how quickly they need to slow down.
Sudden speed changes: Highway patrol presence tends to be strong as drivers approach the state capital. While enforcement improves overall safety, it can also lead to sudden braking when drivers unexpectedly spot patrol cars.

Drive safer: Reduce speed as you approach this stretch, as traffic conditions can change quickly. Stay alert for merging vehicles and adjust your speed accordingly. Avoid tailgating as rear-end collisions are especially common here.

Tips for Staying Safe on I-5

I-5 is a vital route connecting many of Washington’s major cities, but heavy traffic and unpredictable conditions can make driving stressful. A little extra caution can help keep your travels smooth and safe.

Here are a few ways to be a defensive driver:

Plan for congestion: When possible, avoid peak travel hours.
Share the road: Stay out of truck blind spots and maintain a safe following distance.
Expect sudden moves: Give other drivers enough space in case they stop or change lanes unexpectedly.
Stay focused: Put your phone away and keep distractions to a minimum.
Adjust for weather: Slow down and increase following distance in rain, fog, or other poor conditions.

Most importantly, stay calm and give yourself extra time. You never know when an exit will be closed or traffic will back up. Leaving a few minutes early can help you avoid frustration—and reduce the temptation to drive aggressively.

Injured in an Accident on I-5? We’re Here to Help.

Even when you drive carefully, you can’t always predict what other drivers will do. If you’ve been injured in an accident on I-5, you may be facing medical bills, lost wages, and a long recovery. Our experienced team is here to help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case. There’s no obligation, and we only get paid if we win your case. Contact us here to get started.