The Dangers of Intersection Accidents in Maryland

A great majority of motor vehicle crashes occur at intersections. This increased risk comes from the fact that intersections bring together multiple vehicles, coming from multiple roads, from multiple directions. Some intersections have traffic lights, some have stop signs. Some are marked clearly, some are not. Regardless, when a driver is negligent, intersections can be the site of frequent and serious crashes.

What makes intersections so dangerous?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 40 percent of all motor vehicle collisions happen in intersections. They go on to say that a whopping 96 percent of those collisions are from driver error – that means that most intersection crashes are preventable. In their report, researchers looked at factors and reasons why so many accidents occur in intersections. They found that many crashes happen because of driver actions like:

• Disregarding traffic signals
• Distracted driving
• Illegal traffic maneuvers
• Inattention to activity around them
• Incorrectly assuming another driver’s actions
• Misjudging another vehicle’s speed
• Turning with an obstructed view

Intersections are designed in such a way that the majority of crashes that occur within them are usually broadside crashes, also called side-impact or T-bone collisions. Broadside collisions can cause serious injury, as the passenger and driver sides of vehicles typically offer less protection than the front cabin of the vehicle.

Avoiding intersection crashes and collisions

Although nobody can avoid the actions of a negligent or reckless driver, you can take extra care when approaching an intersection and potentially lessen the risk of being injured in a bad collision, especially one with multiple vehicles. Keeping the following tips in mind when out on the road might end up saving a life – even yours or a loved one.

• Avoid following too closely. Although you should never follow vehicles too closely, this is especially important at an intersection, where vehicles are more likely to stop short. Leave yourself a good amount of buffer space to allow evasive maneuvers in case of sudden braking or accidents.
• Be alert of your surroundings. With all of the activity going on at an intersection, be aware of everything – traffic signals, other vehicles, pedestrians, etc.
• Don’t run the yellow. You don’t know how long – or how short – that yellow light may be. Speeding up to “beat the light” can cause a serious collision, especially if another vehicle makes a sudden stop or lane change.
• Use that turn signal. Drivers can only anticipate the intentions of another driver by the use of turn signals. If you are going to turn at an intersection, especially when turning left, use your signal and only turn when it is safe to do so. Further, ensure you are in the correct turning lane in a timely manner (no surprise turns).
• Finally, proceed carefully. Experts say the most dangerous times to enter an intersection are when the light is yellow, and right when the light turns green. Drivers may speed through an intersection in an attempt to “beat the light,” or run a red light. Ensure you check for errant motorists and pedestrians before pulling out when the light turns green. Do the same at four-way stop signs.

Were you or a loved one injured in a car crash that wasn’t your fault? The Maryland car accident attorneys at Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A. are here to help. We seek financial compensation on your behalf for your injuries and losses. To schedule a free consultation about your case, give our Maryland offices a call today at 410-730-7737 or use our contact form.