Top 5 Reasons Why Intersection Accidents Happen
When roads meet, this is called an intersection. Intersections allow travelers the ability to traverse different routes and directions to get to and from their destination. While intersections are a critical part of roadway infrastructure, they are also dangerous. Where roads cross each other, pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles arrive at potential points of conflict moving in different directions. This can lead to accidents and the Federal Highway Administration reports that intersection accidents cause 25% of traffic fatalities along with half of all the reported injuries from traffic accidents each year in the United States.
Due to the dangers that are present at intersections, all drivers should exercise caution when driving and approaching an intersection. However, even if a driver is being responsible and staying aware of everything that is happening at an intersection, that doesn’t mean other drivers will be doing the same. A negligent driver who ignores the rules of the road, especially at intersections, threatens everyone’s safety.
If you were hit and injured in an intersection accident in Oklahoma, an Oklahoma City car accident attorney at the Putnam Law Office can help you secure the compensation you need with a car accident injury claim.
Top Reasons Why Intersection Accidents Happen
Intersections come in many forms including:
- Four-way intersection
- T-intersection
- Y-intersection
- Three-way intersection
- Roundabout
Some intersections are busier than others and in these locations, with all of the traffic moving about, the risk of intersection accidents increases. T-bone accidents rear-end collisions, head-on crashes, left-turn accidents, and pedestrian accidents are the most commonly reported when an incident occurs at an intersection.
There are several reasons why intersection accidents happen, but the primary causes include the following:
- Failure to yield the right of way can confuse and is the main reason why intersection accidents take place. Whether it is not taking one’s turn in an intersection or driving through a stop sign when a driver does not follow the rules of the road and yield as they are supposed to then there is a greater likelihood that a crash will result.
- Running red lights is unlawful but it is also incredibly dangerous. Drivers who blatantly run red lights or think that they can speed through a yellow light and beat the red light can find themselves in a T-bone collision of the worst magnitude.
- Speeding makes it harder to stop when arriving at an intersection and when a crash happens, the speed of a car can be the reason why the accident produces catastrophic outcomes.
- Distracted driving can cause an accident anywhere on the road, but when a driver is not paying attention, they can miss traffic signals, other vehicles, and pedestrians.
- Poor visibility at intersections that may be caused by poor lighting or foliage that obstructs a driver’s view can make it harder to see obstacles and others on the road and lead to a crash.
Speak to an Attorney at the Putnam Law Office Today
After an intersection accident in Oklahoma, you can call the Putnam Law Office, at 405-724-7701 today to schedule a free consultation.
