Intersections Are the Most Risky Road Section for Deadly Accidents

Intersections are notorious locations for traffic accidents, where two or more roads intersect, and drivers may turn left, cross over, or turn right, resulting in conflicts and crashes. In 2008, approximately 40% of the roughly 6,000,000 traffic accidents in the United States were intersection-related. Therefore, understanding the characteristics of intersection-related crashes is critical for preventing them.

The National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey (NMVCCS) collected data at the crash scene to explore the general characteristics of motor vehicle traffic accidents that occur at intersections. The study focused on the association between critical reasons and crash factors, such as traffic control devices, critical pre-crash events, driver’s sex and age, and atmospheric conditions. Descriptive statistics showed that 36% of the NMVCCS crashes were intersection-related crashes.

Of the intersection-related crashes, 96% were attributed to drivers, and the remaining 3% were motor vehicle- or environment-attributed. The most frequent critical reasons were inadequate surveillance, false assumption of other’s action, turned with an obstructed view, illegal maneuver, internal distraction, and misjudgment of gap or other’s speed. These critical reasons are almost 335 times more likely to occur in intersection-related crashes than in non-intersection-related crashes.

The statistical analysis revealed significant associations between critical reasons and crash factors, such as traffic control devices, driver’s age and sex, and atmospheric conditions. For instance, the crash occurrence at intersections controlled by traffic signals involving drivers aged 25 to 54 years old may be attributed to critical non-performance error, illegal maneuver, inattention, and too fast for conditions or aggressive driving.

These findings can inform the development of intersection collision avoidance technologies, such as the Cooperative Intersection Collision Avoidance System (CICAS), which would warn a driver about an imminent violation of the traffic control device at the intersection. Moreover, these findings may help improve road design, the use of traffic control devices, and driver training. By understanding the characteristics of intersection-related crashes, we can prevent them and make our roads safer.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP for a Free Case Review

Have you or a member of your family been injured in an intersection accident? Intersection accidents are unfortunately all too common, and these crashes can cause serious injuries or even fatalities.

At Parker Waichman LLP, we believe that you deserve legal justice and full compensation for your injuries and losses. Our experienced attorneys are ready to help you. We have a proven track record of success in representing our clients who have been injured in intersection accidents. We understand the complexities of these cases and know how to fight for your rights.

If you or a member of your family has been harmed in an intersection accident caused by a negligent driver, call us today. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. The sooner you contact us, the better your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve.

Call us now at 800-968-7529, and let us fight for you.