Even if you’ve been driving in Texas for years, heavy traffic and reckless drivers can be nerve-wracking. You might be a highly skilled and experienced driver who takes every precaution to avoid a collision. Unfortunately, the problem is that if another driver is negligent, you might not be able to do anything to stop a disaster from happening. Certain sections of roadways are typically more dangerous than others, especially intersections.
When you arrive at a crossroads, it’s always best to proceed with great caution. For instance, merely having a green light doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe to go. It’s better to pause to make sure that vehicles approaching in other directions have stopped or that no one is entering your path. If someone fails to stop at a red light while you’re navigating a turn or crossing to the other side of an intersection, a collision may occur that results in serious injury.
Stationary objects may impede visibility
It’s imperative that you have a clear view of your surroundings when you are entering an intersection. If there are parked cars nearby, lampposts, utility signs, trees or other objects, it can cloud your vision. In addition to making sure you have good visibility before entering a crossroads, the following list includes several more helpful safety tips:
- Turn down your radio and avoid other distractions when approaching an intersection.
- Slow down to match the speed of the vehicle in front of you.
- Keep both hands on the wheel in case you need to swiftly react.
- Always be prepared for sudden stops.
- Keep at least a car length between you and the car in front of you.
- Be aware of rights of way at stop signs.
- If you’re unsure, always yield the right of way to the other driver.
- Never try to “beat” a red light by speeding up at a yellow light.
You not only have to be aware of vehicles in front, behind or beside you at intersections, you must also be on the lookout for pedestrians. Keeping safety tips in mind may increase the likelihood that you will be able to safely navigate a crossroads without incident.
Intersection collisions are often fatal
Approximately 20% of fatal collisions occur at intersections. Surviving the impact of a rear-end, T-bone or head-on crash may result in serious and permanently disabling injuries. A top priority in the immediate aftermath of a crash is always to seek medical attention, even if you have no visible signs of injury. Many severe injuries, such as brain trauma or internal bleeding, are not always immediately apparent.
Broken bones take time to heal, and if you have whiplash, you might need to take some strong pain medication to help alleviate your discomfort. Other injuries might require physical therapy to promote healing. In addition to a challenging physical recovery, it can be difficult to overcome the emotional trauma of a motor vehicle collision. Many people find it helpful to be proactive in seeking accountability against those deemed responsible for their injuries by filing personal injury claims in civil court.