Dangerous intersections are an anathema to states and municipalities that want to protect drivers. The roads get monitored, studied and, sometimes, modified to eliminate the dangers that lead to collisions resulting in fatal and serious injuries to drivers, passengers, bicyclists and pedestrians.
Consider this statistic: More than half of the country’s crashes that lead to fatalities and injuries take place near or at intersections, according to the Federal Highway Safety Administration.
Poor design and poor driver behavior
The following factors play major roles in creating dangerous intersections:
- Deficient design: Poorly designed roads and lanes may cause dangers. Perhaps engineers had not anticipated certain changes in traffic patterns or driver behavior, contributing to these dangers.
- Ineffective or lack of road signs: Drivers rely on road signs in knowing where they are going and understand what to expect.
- Signals and traffic lights that do not work or malfunction: A non-working traffic light may lead to a collision.
- Poor driver behavior: Do not ignore a driver’s actions that contribute to dangerous intersections. Speeding, driving too fast for conditions and aggressive, careless and distracted driving may creep in, leading to a serious accident.
Drivers must adhere to safe driving habits anywhere they go. This especially includes when confronting dangerous intersections. Keep on the alert.
Understand the behavior of other drivers
State and local governments can focus on improving roadways to minimize dangers for drivers. But it is the drivers’ responsibility to understand that their behavior, too, may contribute to the hazards at certain intersections.