Car accidents are often physically painful and financially costly. Intersection accidents are common because when several roads meet at once drivers must sometimes make complicated turns and crossings. Read on to learn how you can avoid being involved in an intersection accident and speak with a Kane County car accident lawyer for legal representation during your claim or lawsuit.
How do Intersection Accidents Occur?
Intersection accidents can occur for a variety of reasons. Sometimes the drivers are not truly at fault, like when the traffic lights are malfunctioning or the functionality of the road is flawed. However, more often than not the accident is caused by driver error. Whether it is distracted driving, recklessness, running a red light, making an illegal turn, speeding, tailgating, failing to yield, etc. any action can result in a collision and serious damage.
Accidents occurring in an intersection are most commonly rear-end, head-on, or side impact also known as a t-bone. A crash is bound to happen when the rules of the road are disregarded by one or more drivers. Any of these accidents can result in serious injury, property damage, and potentially fatalities. Most accidents are preventable so it is important to educate yourself on the ways in which you can avoid an intersection accident.
What Are the Best Ways to Avoid an Intersection Accident?
While sometimes accidents are inevitable, it is important to drive safely in an attempt to mitigate the risk of collisions. You can take several steps to avoid getting into an accident at an intersection. Refer to the following tips.
- Do not run a red light. When you see the light turn yellow take it as your sign to slow down. Come to a complete stop at all red lights. If you are allowed to make a turn on red ensure you still stop fully for at least 3 seconds before continuing.
- Do not drive while intoxicated. You should never operate a vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs in an amount high enough to impair your driving. If you are intoxicated in an intersection you could disregard red lights or the rules of the road and cause an accident.
- Avoid distractions. Do not text, change the radio, or engage in any distracting activities while going through an intersection. Anything that takes your attention away from the road can cause an accident.
- Enter the intersection carefully. Even when you have a green light it can be beneficial to slow down slightly while crossing the road. This can give you an opportunity to scan your surroundings for potential dangers and stop in time if someone runs their red light or changes lanes unexpectedly.
- Make safe turns. Use your blinkers when appropriate and look both ways before turning. Check your mirrors for pedestrians or bikers that could be crossing before turning.
- Yield the right of way. Understand when you have the right to go versus when other people do and behave in accordance with the rules of the road.
Avoiding unnecessary accidents is important to ensure driver and passenger safety and to prevent property damage and insurance claims. Refer to the above safety tips and speak with an experienced injury attorney for legal assistance during your accident claim.
