While navigating the roadways, you will likely encounter an intersection. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), because two or more roads cross each other and activities such as turning left, crossing over, and turning right take place at intersections, these locations have a higher number of crashes. If a driver loses focus for even a split second at an intersection it can lead to them making a mistake that can result in a car accident. Intersection accidents can be particularly devastating so it’s important to understand the steps you can take to avoid a collision. If you were injured in an intersection accident in New York, please don’t hesitate to contact an experienced New York City Car Accident Attorney who can help you navigate your legal options. Keep reading to learn the most common causes of intersection accidents.
What Are the Common Causes of Intersection Accidents?
As mentioned above, intersections are dangerous places for drivers because they can include four lanes of traffic, with multiple traffic signals controlling the flow of traffic. Drivers often become overwhelmed at intersections. That said, accidents in intersections can occur for various reasons, including:
- Running a red light
- Running a stop sign
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Turning right on red
- Speeding
- Illegal turns
- Tailgating
- Distracted driving
- Reckless driving
- Attempting to drive through a yellow light
How Can I Avoid a Collision?
Intersections experience substantial traffic and have multiple elements that can contribute to the cause of an accident. Fortunately, there are strategies that drivers can employ to stay safe while behind the wheel while navigating intersections. Firstly, if you are approaching a yellow light, you should not speed up in an attempt to make the light. Instead, you should make a complete stop. In addition, you should look out for pedestrians and bicyclists. It’s important to remember that you are sharing the road with these vulnerable parties. You should check your blind spots to ensure that you are aware of their presence on the road.
Before driving through an intersection, you should check traffic by looking left, then right, and then left again before making any turns. You should never change lanes at an intersection and you should always follow the directions of traffic signals. It’s important to leave enough distance between your car and the vehicle traveling ahead of you. Rear-end collisions are common at intersections due to distracted driving. Leaving sufficient room will afford you enough time to brake and avoid an accident.
While navigating the roadways, it’s crucial to drive safely and adhere to the rules of the road to prevent a collision. If you have been injured in an intersection accident due to someone else’s negligence in New York, please don’t hesitate to contact a determined attorney from Swerling Law, who can help you fight for the justice you deserve.
