Three of the most stressful intersections in the world are in the US, according to drivers
Published on Aug 09, 2025 at 9:37 PM (UTC+4)
by Keelin McNamara
Last updated on Aug 11, 2025 at 6:34 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
The most stressful intersections can be a nightmare and drive you to swerve certain routes entirely – and US drivers are all too familiar with the anxiety.
Different road signs and multiple lanes can make for a chaotic and worrisome experience.
Recent research has determined which the most stressful intersections in the world are.
And three of them happen to be located within the US.
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US doesn’t top the list – but takes a damn good swing
It turns out that the US actually take the top spot in the list of the most stressful intersections in the world.
But America gave it an almighty good go, despite falling short.
Topping the global list, and taking home the crown, is the African country of Ethiopia.
Ethiopia’s famously chaotic Meskel Square in Addis Ababa is officially the most stressful intersection in the world.
The study, conducted by Scrap Car Comparison, determined that Meskel Square beat out the global competition.
But the US has three representatives at the top of the list – and all three come from just two states.
Taking its silver medal on the podium is…the Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange in Los Angeles, California.
In case you’ve never had to endure this stressful intersection, allow us to describe it for you.
It has eight stacked traffic levels, towering over 130 feet high, and a design that offers full directional access.
It’s a maze and a rollercoaster all rolled into one – and it is America’s most stressful intersection.
New Jersey is next up in fourth place, with the Newark Airport Interchange just missing out on the top three.
It is a tangled mix of ramps and lane merges that has long tested the nerves of car drivers.
And, to add to the stressful nature of the intersection, it’s located at a major international airport.
Rounding out the most stressful intersections is…
The last American representative in the top ten makes a return to California.
This time, though, the stressful intersection in question is in the city of San Diego.
The I-5/I-8 Interchange ties with two other European intersections for ninth place.
It comes with high traffic volume, as well as several very complex lane changes.
All of those factors combine to add to how stressful this intersection actually is.
Where do you think the most stressful intersections in the world are?
Keelin McNamara is a content writer at Supercar Blondie from Ireland, covering cars, technology, and lifestyle. Despite being a Law graduate, he discovered his passion for journalism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and has worked in the industry ever since. Outside of work, he is an avid MotoGP fan, and is a self-confessed addict of the sport.
