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3 common causes of intersection accidents

On Behalf of | Jul 15, 2022 | Personal Injury

Traffic intersections can be the sites of devastating car accidents. While drivers should be able to proceed safely through an intersection by obeying relevant signage and traffic signals, a number of factors can make a crash much more likely.

When an intersection accident does occur, all parties involved can sustain severe personal injuries. To help protect everyone’s safety, it is important to be aware and avoid circumstances that might increase the likelihood of a catastrophic crash occurring.

1. Distraction

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports the death of 3,142 individuals as a result of distracted driving in 2020. This danger implied by this staggering statistic extends to intersections, where phones and other distractions can take a driver’s attention at crucial moments.

2. Obstructed view

Shrubs, signs and other vehicles can obstruct a driver’s view of oncoming traffic at an intersection. Making the decision to turn without a clear line of sight down the lane can result in a dangerous situation that other motorists cannot quickly enough to prevent.

3. Misinterpretation

It is possible to misinterpret unfamiliar traffic signals and other drivers’ intentions. There are also unusual intersections where the right of way may not be immediately clear. When the correct course of action is not obvious, the best decision is often to play it safe rather than make an impatient judgment.

The assumption that intersections are always safe because of their slow and regulated nature can be misleading. Without proper care and attentiveness, intersection accidents can take place and cause major harm to people and property.

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