These Intersection Safety Tips May Help You Avoid an Accident

Posted On January 25, 2017 In Local Car Accidents

Statistics collected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show 20 percent of all fatal traffic accidents in 2008 occurred at intersections. These roadways see a lot of traffic and may have other issues that cause accidents. For example, intersections may lack signals, or have blind spots that make it difficult for motorists to see oncoming traffic. U.S. Highway 69 and FM 326 in Angelina County is notorious for having a blind spot caused by a hill. The following intersection safety tips are examples of how you can take certain actions to reduce the chances of an accident.

• Watch for cross traffic: Before going through the intersection, quickly look left and right. Never assume that drivers will stop at red lights. In fact, thousands of fatalities are caused every year by drivers who run red lights at intersections and hit other motorists, cyclists or pedestrians.
• Stay focused: Phones, food, and other passengers can rob you of the attentiveness needed to safely traverse an intersection.
• Watch for blind spots: Blind spots that hide oncoming traffic are not always apparent. It is dangerous to make a turn on U.S. Highway 69 and FM 326, in part, because traffic coming from the left on Highway 69 is obscured by a hill.
• Be cautious of cyclists and pedestrians: Cyclists and pedestrians are much more difficult to spot, especially in the early morning and late afternoon. Other drivers may not spot cyclists or pedestrians, and slam on the brakes or swerve out of the way to avoid a collision. This is especially true with jaywalkers, who may unexpectedly cross the street and cause an auto accident.
• Do not rush yellow lights: Some intersections have traffic lights, but this does not make them immune to accidents. Always approach an intersection slowly, even if the light is turning yellow. Rushing through the intersection does not give you the time to avoid collisions or other obstacles.
• Use your turn signals: Intersections are sometimes packed with other drivers. Let these other drivers know your intentions by using your turn signals.
• Be careful changing lanes: Never change lanes in the middle of an intersection. This is not only illegal, it is dangerous.

One of the best ways to avoid an accident is to carefully inspect the intersection before crossing or making a turn. When it comes to intersections, expect the unexpected.

What Happens if You Get Hit Driving Across an Intersection?

You can do everything right at an intersection and still be hit by another driver. Unfortunately, not everyone puts safety first when driving. People may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, run red lights or hit you while texting. There are many possible scenarios where negligent or reckless drivers can endanger your safety.

Depending on the circumstances, drivers may be held liable for causing accidents at intersections. Other motorists and cameras may witness or record accidents, which can become useful evidence during a personal injury lawsuit.

The Texas car accident lawyers at Mike Love & Associates, LLC can help accident survivors and their families explore options for holding negligent drivers accountable.