An intersection is a place where multiple roads cross each other. This includes traffic circles, T-junctions, unmanned intersections, etc. At these points, pedestrians and vehicles must stop and check for other vehicles before crossing. Due to the number of vehicles that converge at an intersection, it is a high-risk place for accidents.
With multiple parties involved in the accident, it can be challenging to figure out who exactly is responsible. An attorney can help with finding fault in an intersection accident if you find yourself involved in one.
Here are some of the reasons why intersections see a high number of accidents.
Failure to Yield
At intersections, those who arrive first have the right of way. If multiple vehicles make it to an intersection at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way.
If there are signals at the intersection, the vehicles with a green light have the right of way. When drivers fail to follow these rules, it can lead to collisions.
Common types of accidents that happen at intersections include head-on collisions, T-bone crashes, side-swipe accidents, etc. These can lead to severe injuries, like concussions, internal organ damage, spinal cord injuries, etc.
Not Stopping
Everyone—pedestrians and cars included—is expected to stop at an intersection before crossing. Failing to do so could lead to a collision, especially at unmanned intersections. A high amount of traffic passes through intersections, and if multiple vehicles cross at the same time without stopping to check, it can be deadly.
Drivers are also required to maintain enough distance from the vehicle in front so that they can stop in time. Most drivers follow too closely, which doesn’t give them enough room to maneuver if the vehicle in front brakes suddenly. This is also a common reason why intersection accidents happen. Following too closely at an intersection could result in the light turning red when you’re halfway through a turn, or you could fail to see a vehicle coming from the other direction.
Jumping a Red Light
A common reason for collisions at intersections is jumping a red light. We’ve all been there at some point—you’re running late for an appointment, and you can see the intersection coming up. When you think you’ll make it, the light turns yellow. You speed up, only to see the light turn red before you pass. Such moves are dangerous to make, as there’s a huge risk of ramming into another vehicle.
Other vehicles may not see you or be able to stop in time, leading to collisions. Intersection accidents can be deadly, especially when vehicles are traveling at high speeds.
Road Design
The way an intersection is designed has a huge effect on the accident rate in the area. Poorly designed intersections lead to a greater risk of accidents.
For example, if there is poor visibility at the intersection, like a high tree line blocking drivers’ view, they won’t be able to see any vehicles on the other roads, and it could lead to a collision.
Most roads in America are not designed for pedestrians. This makes intersections extremely dangerous for them, especially if one of the roads is a highway. Pedestrian crossings may not have adequate signs or signals, or there may not be proper cycle paths for bicyclists to safely follow. Poor visibility and a lack of proper paths lead to pedestrian accidents at intersections.
Tips to Avoid Accidents at Intersections
Given the intensity of these accidents and how frequently they occur, it’s important to be cautious at intersections. Here are a few tips on how to stay safe:
- Always stop at an intersection before crossing.
- Pay attention to pedestrians, and if they have the right of way, yield to them.
- Stick to the speed limit, and don’t drive too fast.
- If the light is yellow, it’s safer to slow down than speed up at an intersection.
