Intersections are necessary for road design to function properly but they can also create dangerous situations. Simply understanding the common causes and ways to prevent accidents in intersections can help you avoid damage, injury, and even death. For skilled representation during your injury case reach out to a Middlesex County auto accident attorney today.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Intersection Accidents?
Car accidents can happen anywhere. Whether in a residential area, on the open highway, or a secluded backroad, collisions are an unavoidable part of driving. Accidents in intersections are fairly common occurrences.
The infrastructure of intersections lends itself to an increase in accidents. Several roads converge at one point and drivers are required to navigate potentially confusing multi-lane turns and crossings. This coupled with the below frequent causes of intersection accidents creates the perfect storm.
- Running red lights
- Attempting to drive through a yellow light
- Illegal turns
- Speeding
- Following too closely to the car ahead
- Distracted driving
- Intoxicated driving
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Turning on a red light
All of these causes have the potential to result in a rear-end, head-on, or side-impact collision. These accidents can cause serious injury and property damage to all individuals and cars involved. It is crucial to drive safely and avoid accidents when passing through an intersection.
How Can I Prevent Accidents in an Intersection?
As established intersection accidents can occur for a number of reasons. While it is important to understand the common causes it is equally important to know how you can prevent being involved in one of these collisions.
Below are some ways that you can avoid an intersection accident.
- Drive defensively: Avoid aggressive driving. Act under the assumption that one of the surrounding vehicles can and will do something dangerous and be prepared to react.
- Follow the rules of the road: Do not speed or make illegal turns. Laws are in place to keep people safe and prevent accidents so abide by the rules to avoid an accident.
- Stop at red lights: Running red lights or making a rolling stop can result in an accident. It is important to come to a complete stop when required. In New Jersey, drivers are allowed to make a right turn on red unless otherwise posted. Even when completing this legal turn make sure to fully stop and look both ways before turning.
- Yield the right of way: Different vehicles will have the right of way depending on the situation. If you have a green light and are going straight you can proceed, but if you have a green light and are turning left you must let the cars on the other side go before making your turn. Pedestrians and bikers can also have the right of way so pay attention to avoid confusion and collisions.
At Stathis & Leonardis, LLC we understand the sensitive nature of personal injury cases. If you were involved in an intersection accident contact one of our skilled attorneys for experienced representation and legal counsel.
