An intersection is a dangerous place where the most serious accidents occur.
Intersections have been recognised as one of the most challenging traffic scenarios that drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other road users face regularly!
According to Arrive Alive, the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that 43% of motor vehicle crashes occur at intersections or are "intersection-related”. Therefore, it is no shock that intersection crashes are one of the most common types of crashes. Not only that, but they also have severe implications. Knowing the primary dangers of an intersection collision and how to prevent them will assist in reducing your chances of being involved in one. In this article, we’ll share some advice for safer driving at intersections, so buckle up.
What exactly is an intersection?
Intersections are places where two or more roads meet, cross, or converge, and traffic from diverse directions intersects. Therefore, crossing and turning manoeuvres at intersections present the potential for vehicle-vehicle, vehicle-pedestrian, and vehicle-bicycle collisions.
The T-bone or side-impact crash is one of the most common intersection collisions and the most severe type of crash in terms of injuries and fatalities.
Common Injuries associated with T-bone collisions:
Side impact collisions, also known as "T-bone" accidents, can result in various injuries to passengers in the impacted vehicle. Some common injuries include:
Head injuries: These include concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries.
Neck injuries: Whiplash is a common injury in side impact collisions, as the sudden jerking motion of the head and neck can cause strain and damage to the muscles and ligaments in the neck.
Chest injuries: These include broken ribs, collapsed lungs, and internal organ damage.
Abdominal injuries: The force of a side impact collision can cause injuries to the abdominal area, including liver, spleen, or kidney damage.
Upper limb injuries: Arm and shoulder injuries, including fractures and dislocations, are also common.
Lower limb injuries: Leg and knee injuries, including fractures and dislocations, can also occur.
It is essential for anyone involved in a car accident to seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if they do not feel injured, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
Causes of T-bone crashes at intersections, according to Arrive Alive’s website
- Studies show that driver negligence and recklessness are two of the most common reasons for intersection collisions.
- Running a red light and ignoring the yield and stop signs are the most common causes of crashes in city traffic.
- Inattention and inadequate sight distance to oncoming traffic when turning left or right.
- Driver inattentiveness includes not observing other traffic at an intersection while distracted by cellular phones, car radios, etc.
- A lack of intersection visibility (road users are unaware of the intersection).
- Tailgating, which includes an attempt to forestall a red light by speeding up and bumping into another vehicle.
- High approach speeds to the intersection.
- Crashing into the sides of long vehicles that are often not visible to approaching drivers.
- Collisions with pedestrians and other vehicles not visible to approaching trucks or failing to adhere to traffic control devices.
- Poor visibility in dense fog, smoke, or mist.
- Lack of safe following distances.
- Complex intersection layouts.
- Poor road surface condition or faulty intersections/traffic lights and signals.
Driving carefully at intersections
Here are our recommendations for safe intersection driving:
- During busy traffic periods such as rush hour, drive defensively, anticipating issues and situations with more care and attention.
- Consider what other drivers may do as you approach junctions, especially if you are changing your course as you approach an intersection.
- Always come to a complete stop at a red light or stop sign and make sure there is no cross traffic before proceeding.
- Always look left, right, and left again before entering an intersection, even if you have a green light or right of way.
- Be aware of vehicles approaching from other directions, especially those turning in front of you.
- Be prepared to yield to pedestrians and other cars that have the right of way.
- Use your indicators to show your intention to turn or change lanes.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions such as using your phone or adjusting the radio while driving.
- Slow down and proceed with caution if the road is wet or the visibility is poor.
- Avoid making sudden movements or lane changes that could cause other drivers to swerve or brake suddenly.
- Follow the speed limit and adjust your speed according to the road conditions and traffic flow.
- Always be courteous and patient when driving through an intersection, and try to anticipate the actions of other drivers.
Remember always to wear your seatbelt and make sure everyone else in your car does as well.
You are safer on the roads with dotsure.co.za’s emergency roadside assistance.
Emergency roadside assistance can be a lifesaver after an accident. You will feel more at ease if you know that help is only a phone call (or a few clicks) away. With us, you're covered if you need a tow, a jump start, a tire change, roadside assistance, or lifesaving emergency medical assistance. Our car insurance policy includes roadside assistance as a standard feature.
