The Leading Cause of Intersection Accidents
Despite the use of traffic signals, lights, crosswalks, and speed limit reductions, intersections continue to be one of the most common sites of car accidents in the U.S. These accidents happen for a number of reasons, but according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 46 percent of intersection crashes occur because a driver either failed to notice or intentionally ignored a traffic signal. These are, however, by no means the only causes of car accidents in intersections. Read on to learn more about the most common causes of intersection accidents in Florida.
Disobeying Traffic Signals
Failing to notice and obey traffic signals is the leading cause of intersection accidents in the U.S., which according to the NHTSA, includes:
- Running a red light or stop sign (with the intentional disregard of red lights accounting for as many as 36 percent of accidents in intersection);
- Attempting to make it through a yellow light;
- Ignoring restrictions on right turns; and
- Failing to yield the right-of-way.
Running red and yellow lights, making illegal right hand turns, and failing to yield the right-of-way means that drivers end up in the direct path of oncoming traffic. Unfortunately, this gives other motorists little to no time to react and avoid a collision.
Failing to Adjust for Weather or Road Conditions
Another common cause of intersection accidents is failing to adjust for weather or road conditions. Rain and cold weather can significantly impact visibility and road traction, so failing to slow down to account for these issues could result in a collision. To navigate an intersection safely, drivers should be sure to slow down in inclement weather, use their wipers and lights when necessary, and generally keep an eye out for drivers who may fail to take such precautions.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has also proven to be one of the leading causes of intersection accidents, with many drivers taking a red light as an opportunity to text or make a phone call. Unfortunately, this kind of inattention makes it a lot more likely that a person will be involved in a rear-end collision or another type of crash. These kinds of rear-end accidents often lead to chain reaction collisions and multi-car pile-ups where serious injuries are common.
Obstructed Views
Some intersection accidents are not the result of driver error, but are due to obstructed views caused by overgrown trees and bushes. These kinds of obstacles can make it nearly impossible to assess oncoming traffic, further increasing the chances of a collision.
Contact Our Florida Car Accident Lawyers
If you were involved in an intersection accident in Florida, please call the experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyers at Boone & Davis for help filing a claim against the at-fault party who caused your crash. You can set up a free case review by calling 954-566-9919 or by sending us an online message. Call or contact us online to get started on your recovery today.
Sources:
crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/811366
highways.dot.gov/research/research-programs/safety/intersection-safety
