Intersection accidents can be hazardous. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, intersection collisions accounted for nearly 25 percent of all traffic fatalities in the year 2018. These types of accidents can be especially dangerous because they usually involve two vehicles hitting each other at high speeds. Additionally, intersection accidents often involve pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.
To reduce the risk of intersection accidents, drivers should always be aware of their surroundings and obey traffic laws. They should also be aware of the speed limit and make sure to come to a complete stop at stop signs. If you are involved in an intersection accident, you should contact a Rockford car accident lawyer.
How to avoid intersection accidents?
You can avoid intersection accidents by following the below-mentioned rules.
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Obey traffic laws
Drive according to the posted speed limit and obey traffic signs and signals.
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Watch for pedestrians
Be particularly cautious when driving through intersections in areas with a lot of pedestrian traffic.
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Watch for turning vehicles.
Pay close attention to vehicles that are turning into or out of the intersection.
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Increase visibility
Make sure your headlights and taillights are in good working order.
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Maintain a safe distance
Keep a safe following distance behind other vehicles.
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Avoid distractions
Put away your cell phone, adjust the radio, and pay attention while driving.
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Be aware of your surroundings.
Be prepared to take evasive action if necessary.
Reasons why intersection accidents occur
There are various reasons why intersection accidents occur.
- Failing to Yield: Failing to yield to oncoming traffic when turning left or right at an intersection can lead to a serious collision.
- Speeding: Exceeding the speed limit or traveling too fast for road or weather conditions can make it harder to stop in time at an intersection.
- Distracted Driving: Taking your eyes off the road, even for a few seconds, can be enough time to miss a red light or a stop sign.
- Following Too Closely: Tailgating can make it difficult for a driver to stop to avoid a collision at an intersection.
- Poor Visibility: Poor visibility due to rain, fog, or other weather conditions can make it hard to see other vehicles and traffic signals at intersections.
- Ignoring Traffic Signals: Failing to obey traffic signals such as red lights and stop signs can lead to serious accidents.
- Turning Too Wide: Turning too wide when turning can cause a driver to cross into another lane of traffic at an intersection.
- Failing to Look Both Ways: Failing to look both ways before entering an intersection can lead to a collision with an oncoming vehicle.
