Why Intersections Are One of the Most Frequent Places for a Car Accident
August 9, 2022
Many auto collisions occur at busy intersections in Texas every year. Even if a motorist is cautious and careful to follow all traffic laws and is traveling at a slower speed, an accident at an intersection can still result in death or life-changing injuries if they’re sharing the road with a reckless, careless driver. In most cases, intersection crashes are preventable and often occur due to negligent motorists who drive recklessly and ignore safety precautions.
How to Avoid Intersection Car Accidents
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, there were 735 intersection fatalities and intersection-related accidents in 2019. Intersections are one of the most dangerous areas for motorists. While it’s not possible to prevent every accident, there are some safety tips you can follow to reduce your chances of being involved in a deadly intersection collision.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings at All Times
Being aware of your surroundings is one of the most important parts of driving. Remaining vigilant requires you to keep an eye on all of the motorists around you. At some dangerous intersections, it can be difficult to see every direction due to other vehicles, trees, and buildings. This can be especially dangerous for a pedestrian crossing the street since stopped vehicles can hinder the moving lane’s view of anyone using a crosswalk.
Practice Intersection Safety and Avoid Speeding Through a Yellow or Green Light
Regardless of how vigilant you are and how hard you try to anticipate the actions of another driver, there will always be surprises. Over eight percent of intersection accidents are caused by another driving falsely anticipating another motorist’s actions. If you’re driving at a high speed, you’ll have less time to adjust your driving if another driver makes an unexpected stop, lane change, or improper maneuver. If the traffic light is yellow, avoid speeding to make it through the intersection before the light turns red. Always slow down or come to a complete stop if the light is about to turn red.
Follow At a Safe Distance
Avoid following other vehicles too closely when you’re driving. Because intersection auto crashes are so common, it makes sense to follow common driving safety practices and give yourself a way to get out. You must always plan to have a way out if a collision occurs in front of you. Extra space between you and other vehicles will give you the space and time you need if another driver quickly pulls out in front of you. Even two or three feet of space can make all the difference in avoiding a collision.
Enter an Intersection Carefully
The most dangerous time to enter an intersection is when the light has just turned green or yellow. When a light turns yellow, most motorists step on the gas to beat the light. When the light turns green, even though you have the right-of-way, always enter the intersection carefully. Scan the traffic from opposite directions carefully before you pull into the intersection.
Common Causes of Auto Accidents in Intersections
Traffic signs and traffic lights are designed to prevent crashes. When an accident occurs at an intersection it’s usually caused by driver negligence and the violation of traffic laws.
Here are the most common reasons why intersection accidents happen:
Following Too Closely
All drivers must drive at a safe distance. Many rear-end accidents happen at intersections when the vehicle in the rear cannot stop quickly enough to avoid an accident because the driver was following the vehicle in front of them too closely.
Speeding
When a driver speeds it will take them longer to stop their vehicle, making it impossible to correct their maneuvering if another driver makes a lane change or stops suddenly.
To avoid crashes at intersections, always follow the speed limit.
Failure to Yield
Drivers are required to yield at traffic signals, four-way stops, and stop signs. Unfortunately, many motorists who are responsible for accidents at intersections fail to obey this most basic traffic law.
Trying to Make the Light
Speeding through a yellow light is another common cause of intersection car crashes.
Distracted Driving
A distracted driver may fail to see a light turn to yellow or red. These drivers may not even notice when another driver has the right-of-way at a four-way stop or stop sign when they’re texting, talking on the phone, or speaking to someone in their vehicle.
What to Do If You Were Involved in an Intersection Accident
If you were injured in an accident at an intersection that was caused by a negligent driver, you must seek legal representation as soon as possible. An auto accident lawyer will know what evidence is needed to prove the other driver was negligent and can help you pursue the compensation you deserve to cover the cost of all accident-related damages.
Contact the Accident Attorneys at the Amaro Law Firm to Schedule a Free, No-Obligation Consultation
Contact the legal team at the Amaro Law Firm today to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer and schedule a free consultation. We can discuss your case and go over your legal rights and options, moving forward. If you decide to work with us, our legal team will work tirelessly to build the strongest case possible to help you receive the compensation you need to recover and move on with your life.