When you look at fatal accident statistics, it becomes clear that intersections are very dangerous. This is where 50% of serious car crashes occur. Of all the annual accidents resulting in injuries or fatalities, over half of them are at intersections.
You likely can’t avoid driving through intersections, so what can you do to stay safe if you have to use them? Below are a few tips to keep in mind.
Anticipate mistakes
First and foremost, become a defensive driver by anticipating the mistakes that other drivers are likely to make. Are they going to go out of turn at a four-way stop? If you pay close attention, you can sometimes spot an impatient driver in advance – maybe they’re rolling forward before it’s their turn – helping you avoid a crash.
Look both ways
Another tactic is simply to look both ways, even if the intersection is light-controlled. Don’t begin driving just because the light is green. The red light in the other direction tells drivers to stop, but it won’t actually protect you. Check for red-light runners and don’t count on other drivers.
Avoid distractions
There’s a lot of information to process at an intersection, which is why mistakes are more likely. Try to avoid distractions like listening to music or talking to passengers. Your focus should always be on the road, but this is especially important when crossing other traffic lanes.
These tips can definitely help, but you could still be injured if someone else makes a driving mistake and causes a crash. If so, you need to know how to seek compensation for medical bills and related costs.