If you were involved in a serious car accident, odds are that it happened at an intersection. Statistics show that this is where more than 50% of accidents leading to injuries and fatalities take place. Intersections are exceedingly dangerous, and driving through one is one of the most hazardous things you will do on your daily commute.
But even if the statistics make it clear that the risks exist, why is this? What is it about intersections that makes them so much more dangerous than other parts of the road? After all, traffic should be going slower, which usually reduces fatality odds.
Crossing paths
The first issue is that traffic has to cross paths at intersections. On straight stretches of road, drivers may be involved in rear-end accidents or head-on collisions. Both of those can still happen at intersections, but you also have the risk of T-bone accidents and things of this nature. Whenever traffic crosses paths, the odds of a crash go up.
It only takes one mistake
The problem with intersections is that everyone at the intersection has to operate their vehicle correctly. If even one driver makes a minor mistake, that can be enough to cause a crash.
For example, say that you’re at a four-way stop. The two drivers ahead of you take their turns, and you yield appropriately. But the fourth driver tries to go when it’s your turn, and the two of you are involved in a collision. Human error causes the vast majority of car accidents, and there are simply more chances for these errors at intersections.
Have you lost a loved one in a serious accident, or suffered injuries? You may be able to seek financial compensation for medical bills, lost wages, lost earning capacity and more.
