Think about your commute to and from work. How many intersections do you have to go through to get to your destination? According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), one-quarter of traffic fatalities in the United States happen in intersections, making them one of the most dangerous aspects of driving. Vehicles are not the only things passing through intersections; pedestrians and bicyclists also use intersections as they make their way to a destination.
Most intersection accidents are caused by human error, such as another driver running a red light or making a left turn. But some accidents are more likely to happen at an intersection that was poorly designed or configured or maybe has obstructed signage. Rear-end collisions are side-swipes are the most common types of accidents that happen at intersections.
AVOIDING AN ACCIDENT AT AN INTERSECTION
To protect yourself and your passengers, there are a few things you can do to avoid becoming another statistic at an intersection.
ALWAYS PAY ATTENTION
Watch the cross traffic at an intersection. You might have the right of way when going through an intersection, but a car in cross traffic could make a right turn right in front of you, or someone going in the opposite direction of you could try to squeeze in a left turn.
ALWAYS OBEY TRAFFIC LAWS
Stop for red lights. Do not change lanes in the middle of an intersection. Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists if they have the right of way. Even if you’re not at the front of the line to make a right-hand turn, pedestrians could be crossing the street so the cars ahead of you will have to yield to them, so always look ahead.
If the signals are out at an intersection and the police haven’t shown up yet to direct traffic, treat the intersection as if it were a four-way stop. But know that other drivers may not know to do the same.
DRIVE DEFENSIVELY
Just because you obey the traffic laws and stop for red lights doesn’t mean other drivers will. Don’t assume everyone will drive as safely as you. Focus on your driving—this means putting your smartphone away to avoid distracted driving, and also resist the urge to fiddle with your car’s GPS system or stereo while driving. Be alert to road conditions and unexpected hazards. And look ahead far down the road, not just at what’s right in front of you.
TENN AND TENN, P.A., INTERSECTION ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE
If you followed all the rules of the road but were still involved in an accident at an intersection due to someone else’s negligence, you deserve compensation for any injuries you might have received and for any property damage you may have suffered. Tenn And Tenn, P.A. can help. Call us today at (603) 614-5055 or fill out a contact form to learn how we can help you.