Intersections are one of the most accident-prone areas on the road because they’re where vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians converge. In Tampa, Florida, busy intersections like Fowler Avenue and Bruce B. Downs Boulevard are well-known for frequent accidents.
Across the state, Florida consistently ranks among the top states for intersection-related crashes, largely due to its high traffic volumes, dense urban areas, and growing population.
With multiple travel directions and split-second decisions being made at the same time, it’s no surprise that Florida drivers are usually involved in many intersection accidents yearly. That’s why it’s crucial to know what to do after an intersection accident.
By being aware of the risks and the appropriate actions following an accident, drivers can protect themselves legally, medically, and financially as well as take measures to avoid accidents in the future.
So, let’s look at why accidents happen at intersections:
Table of Contents
High Traffic Volume
Intersections are traffic hotspots, often connecting main roads, highways, or major city streets. With cars, buses, motorbikes, cyclists, and pedestrians all crossing at the same point, accidents can occur. Heavy congestion also frustrates drivers, a state that can lead to impatient decisions and reckless mistakes.
Driver Misjudgment
Many intersection accidents occur when drivers underestimate the speed or distance of oncoming traffic. A common situation is when someone attempts to turn left but underestimates how fast another car is traveling, leading to dangerous T-bone accidents. Drivers attempting to “beat the light” and drive through the intersection before the light turns red often collide with cross traffic.
Distracted Driving
The distracting habits of texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or inputting GPS are deadly at intersections. Straight roads do not require your entire focus on signals, signs, and traffic flow around you. A one- or two-second blink by a driver may cause him to miss an unlit change in traffic or a pedestrian stepping into the crosswalk, with horrifying consequences.
Non-compliance with Red Lights and Stop Signs
Noncompliance with traffic signals is one of the most common and most deadly forms of intersection crashes. Fast red-light violators or roll stops are likely to crash into vehicles with the right of way at high speeds. These crashes are particularly hazardous because they are more likely to have side impacts, which are less crash-protected than frontal crashes.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Visibility
Intersections aren’t only for cars; pedestrians and cyclists use them to cross safely. Drivers, however, occasionally don’t yield at intersections, fail to check blind spots, or just don’t see a cyclist next to them.
Since pedestrians and cyclists have little or no protection in the event of an accident, crashes at intersections involving them tend to cause serious injury.
Poor Visibility
Not all intersections are visible from oncoming traffic. Trees, stopped cars, signs, or sudden road curves can obscure the view of a driver. Reduced visibility increases difficulty in anticipating whether another automobile, bike, or pedestrian is coming into the intersection and therefore increases the likelihood of last-minute braking or accidents.
Complex Traffic Flow
Some intersections are straightforward, while others are complicated with multiple turn lanes, confusing signal phases, or unusual geometries. The unfamiliar drivers may panic, make sudden stops, or attempt reckless maneuvers. Even locals could be caught off guard in complex intersections, which increases the likelihood of crashes.
Conclusion
Intersections are a common place for collisions because of the mix of heavy traffic, driver error, distraction, and the simple fact that there are many road users all attempting to use the same space.
By being observant, following signals, and anticipating other drivers’ actions, you can reduce your likelihood of being involved in a crash. Intersections will never stop being hazardous areas, but attentive and cautious driving can make them much safer.
