Car accidents can happen at any time, but intersections are particularly dangerous. According to the most recent data from the Federal Highway Administration, more than 50 percent of fatal and injury accidents happen at or near intersections.
Why are intersections so dangerous? Like most accidents, the majority of intersection crashes involve driver error. Common reasons include:
- Poor surveillance;
- Making an illegal maneuver;
- Distractions inside the vehicle;
- And misjudging another driver’s speed.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to avoid accidents at intersections. These include:
- Anticipating other drivers’ actions;
- Maintaining a safe following distance;
- Not racing a yellow light;
- And avoiding distracted driving.
If you were injured in a crash that another driver caused, contact the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm to discuss your legal options. An accident lawyer in Scottsdale can gather evidence, talk to witnesses and fight for the highest possible payout. Our attorneys have been representing the injured for more than 30 years combined. Schedule a consultation today by calling 480-951-9700.
Here are four tips that can help you avoid collisions at intersections:
- Anticipate Other Drivers’ Actions
Despite advances in vehicle safety technology, defensive driving is still the best way to avoid crashes. Be cautious when approaching an intersection. If a driver on the perpendicular road is not stopping or slowing down, hit your brakes.
Also, check your mirrors to see if the driver behind you is paying attention. If he or she is looking down or does not appear to be braking, find an escape route such as an adjacent lane or the shoulder. This can help you avoid a rear-end crash.
- Maintain a Safe Following Distance
According to the Washington Post, there are more than 1.7 million rear-end accidents in the United States each year. A significant number of these happen at intersections.
You may be able to avoid a wreck by maintaining a safe following distance. This will give you enough time to brake if the vehicle in front of you stops suddenly. Also, you can brake gradually, which can prevent a rear-end collision with the vehicle behind you.
- Never race a yellow light.
Even if you reach the intersection in time, you may not notice bikers, pedestrians or other hazards in the road. If you accelerate, you are more likely to cause serious injuries or fatalities in an accident.
- Avoid distracted driving.
Distracted driving takes many forms. Cell phones, loud passengers, eating and drinking, and gawking at roadside accidents can all contribute to wrecks.
Resist the temptation to answer calls or texts while driving. If you are inexperienced, do not carry passengers. Never eat or drink behind the wheel, and keep your eyes on the road at all times.
If you were injured by a negligent driver in Arizona, contact a Scottsdale car accident attorney from the Rudolph & Hammond Law Firm. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, time off work and other losses. Schedule a free consultation today by calling 480-951-9700.