While driving remains the most popular form of transport among Americans, there are a number of hazards associated with this activity. Numerous accidents occur each year and approximately 10,000 of these occur at intersections.
What makes intersections so dangerous?
Drivers view them as a resting point
Traffic tends to come to a standstill at intersections. Lights and stop signs control which lanes have the right to carry on and which vehicles must hold off.
Sometimes, road users see this period of stopping as an opportunity to rest. This is not advisable though, as lights can change at any moment and there are numerous other potential hazards to observe.
Road users should not use stops at intersections as an opportunity to check their cell phones or shift their attention away from the roads to other possible distractions.
Intersection stops can make drivers impatient
We all have somewhere to be, and some of us are on a tighter schedule than others. It’s possible that some road users view intersections as an inconvenience and a roadblock.
Impatient drivers can be less willing to yield to those who have the right of way. They may even become so frustrated that they attempt to run a red or amber light. This places all cars and pedestrians in the area in significant danger.
It’s vital to have your wits about you around intersections. You can only manage your own conduct, not that of other drivers. If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence, make sure you look into your options in terms of pursuing legal compensation.