How to Stay Safe at Dangerous Intersections
We all cross dozens of intersections every single day without really thinking about it, whether we're commuting to work or just running errands town. The reality is that intersections are some of the most dangerous places on the road. When there are multiple lanes of traffic that cross paths at different speeds or angles, the risk of a serious car accident skyrockets. Familiarizing yourself with the layout of these intersections and how to safely use them can make all the difference in keeping you, your passengers, and other drivers safe.
Not all intersections are created equal. There are four different types of intersections:
Controlled Intersections use traffic lights, stop signs, or yield signs to manage the flow of vehicles.
Uncontrolled Intersections are often found in rural areas or quiet residential neighborhoods, where there are no signals of any kind and drivers must rely on right-of-way rules.
T-intersections where a smaller road meets a major one, requiring drivers on the smaller or side road to yield.
Roundabouts, or traffic circles, are designed to keep traffic flowing continuously in one direction around a central island.
Why are these intersections so risky? It usually comes down to human error and the unpredictability of other drivers. Distracted driving is a huge issue. Many accidents are caused by drivers looking at or using their phones instead of watching for changing lights or pedestrians in the crosswalk. Impatience can also play a big role in car wrecks. Drivers that think they can "beat the yellow" often end up blowing through a red light and cause a devastating T-bone accident. If you add in failing to yield the right-of-way or misjudging the speed of oncoming traffic, you are set up for disaster.
Making it through these danger zones safely requires a healthy dose of defensive driving. Always approach an intersection with caution, even if you have a green light. Take a quick scan left, right, and left again before entering to make sure no one is running their red light. Maintain a safe following distance so you have plenty of time to brake if the car in front of you stops suddenly. As always, use your turn signals well in advance to communicate your movements to the cars around you. Most importantly, focus on driving. Put distractions away and keep your eyes on the road in front of you.
Unfortunately can't control the actions of other drivers. If you or a loved one are hurt in an accident in an intersection because someone else was careless - we’re All Business, No Bull. Locke Henry Law is dedicated to helping injured folks get back on their feet. Stay safe out there, but know that if the unexpected happens, we’ve got your back.