When you’re driving, one of the most dangerous things that you can do is simply pass through an intersection. Whether it is controlled by traffic signals like a stoplight or simply by stop signs – or a yield sign – your accident risks go up at that intersection.
The evidence for this trend lies in the accident rates. When researchers look at the most serious crashes, which are those that include either injuries or fatalities, the majority of them occur at intersections. These important stats demonstrate that the higher risk level exists, but you may still find yourself asking why. What makes intersections so problematic?
Inherent dangers in road design
The problem is just that there are inherent dangers that come along with driving through an intersection, just because of the way the road is designed. Other drivers have to make all the right decisions, such as going in the correct order at a four-way stop. If another driver makes a mistake, because traffic naturally crosses paths at an intersection, that mistake can lead to a crash.
There are some things that drivers can do to stay safe. For instance, you could take an extra second at an intersection to look both ways, even though the light turned green. This focus on safety can help you become a defensive driver and identify the mistakes that others are going to make – such as running a red light.
But, at the end of the day, the potential for an accident still exists at every intersection. You may not be able to avoid all of the errors made by other negligent drivers, so you need to know how to seek financial compensation for the injuries they cause.