Intersections are some of the most dangerous locations on modern roads. Even the safest drivers are at risk of severe collisions at intersections due to the conduct of other motorists or the design of the intersection itself. When drivers understand what contributes to their risk at an intersection, they may be in a better position to limit their risk of a collision.
What factors contribute to the danger present at most major intersections?
Vehicles traveling in different directions
The main source of risk at an intersection is how the vehicles travel in different directions. When they must cross paths with one another, they are at immediate risk of colliding. This is particularly true when one motorist drives in the wrong direction. Not only can drivers potentially swerve out of their lane and collide head-on with approaching traffic, but they might also need to turn, exposing them to multiple lanes of oncoming traffic. Left-hand turns, in particular, can increase the risk of a motor vehicle collision at an intersection.
Traffic volume
The more vehicles there are in close proximity to one another, the greater the risk of a serious collision occurring. Intersections serve as choke points in traffic because vehicles have to slow down or stop. As such, there can be a significant volume of traffic at an intersection at any given time. The more vehicles there are close to one another, the greater the chances of one driver making a mistake or overlooking something important for overall safety.
Inappropriate design
Modern civil engineers often prefer roundabouts and other systems that limit collision risk as opposed to traditional intersections. Traditional intersections can be risky in part because they may not feature separate lanes for those turning left. Even if an intersection does have left-hand turn lanes, there could be visibility issues. Buildings that are close to the edge of the road or vegetation can impede visibility and increase the likelihood of a crash.
Driver non-compliance
The willingness of motorists to pay attention to their surroundings and prioritize safety also has a direct impact on the likelihood of an intersection car crash. Motorists who perform rolling stops instead of fully stopping and observing their surroundings can increase the likelihood of an intersection collision. Drivers who do not consistently use their turn signals to communicate with others also create an increased risk of a wreck.
Exploring the factors that have contributed to a motor vehicle collision can help people hold the right parties accountable. Particularly if a motor vehicle collision results in significant injuries, people may need to look into options beyond liability insurance coverage.