Driving is always dangerous. There’s just an inherent level of risk that all drivers must accept. After all, roughly 40,000 people pass away in car accidents each and every year in the United States.
However, that doesn’t mean that drivers face the same level of risk at all times. Some research shows that the risk level is greatest whenever you are at an intersection. Researchers determined this simply by looking at the stats, tracking fatal accidents and accidents resulting in injuries. Combined, more than 50% of these crashes happen at intersections, so that is where the danger is greatest.
How can you stay safe?
The risk of an intersection comes from mistakes made by other drivers. Maybe you’re driving through a two-way stop when someone on the cross street simply runs the stop sign and hits the side of your vehicle. Or perhaps you’re turning with a green arrow when another vehicle runs the red light. If everyone properly follows the traffic control devices, intersections are safe – but all it takes is one mistake for a serious accident to result.
As such, the best way for you to stay safe is to become a defensive driver. Focus on what other vehicles are doing and look for mistakes those drivers might make. For instance, even if you are confident that it’s your turn at a four-way stop, wait for a second to make sure no one else is about to go. Or, if the light turns green, you still want to look both ways to ensure there isn’t another driver who is about to run the red light.
This defensive focus can help you avoid some crashes, but you always face risks from other negligent drivers. Make sure you know how to seek financial compensation if you suffer injuries.