You need to be very careful around an intersection if recent statistics are anything to go by. According to a recent road safety report by the Federal Highway Authority, the majority of road accidents that result in injuries or fatalities occur at or near intersections.
The reasons vary, but it all boils down to driver mistakes. It means that most of these accidents are preventable if only drivers prioritized road safety.
Common reasons for intersection accidents
The leading cause of intersection accidents is disobeying traffic signals. For example, a driver may intentionally or unintentionally run a red light. When this happens, the other driver has very little time to react and a crash is almost inevitable. Distracted driving is a major contributor to these types of accidents.
Other reasons include:
- Obstructed views
- Failing to yield way
- Making prohibited turns
- A rear-end crash that pushes you to traffic
The human factor in intersection accidents is outstanding, and you need to be proactive in preventing these kinds of accidents.
Minimizing the risk of an accident at an intersection
There are steps you can take to reduce the chances of a crash whenever you approach an intersection. The first thing is being observant and obeying traffic signals. You should also check for vehicles or pedestrians before pulling into an intersection and signal appropriately. In addition, do not make any illegal turns and remember to signal appropriately.
Protecting your rights after an accident
Even though road safety starts with you, some situations are out of your control. If you find yourself in an intersection accident caused by a negligent driver, you need to hold them accountable for any injuries you suffer, among other damages.
As a driver, you need to be well prepared for such unplanned events so that you can take urgent action as soon as they occur. If you are the victim of a wreck, make sure you find out more about your legal options.