Intersection Safety Tips can Reduce Auto Accidents

Intersections can be very dangerous areas, for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians, especially during peak driving times such as “rush hour” when vehicle traffic volumes are at their highest. Because traffic is often moving in several different directions, there is a high risk of an auto accident. Inattentive drivers, reckless drivers, high speeds, and low visibility can all lead to a serious accident at an intersection. Knowing the major risks of an intersection accident and how to avoid them can help to minimize your chance of an accident, minor or serious.

Here are a few safety tips every driver should follow to help reduce the risk of an accident at intersections.

• Always complete a full stop at a stop sign, and look for oncoming traffic from both sides before entering the intersection, regardless of the color of the traffic light.
• Check for cars twice before pulling into any intersection, even if you have the right of way. Sometimes drivers fail to see a stop sign and may pull out in front of you or run into you.
• Be prepared for the unexpected; never assume another driver will yield the right-of-way.
• Watch for vehicles that may run the red light.
• When making a turn, look for pedestrians and bicyclists who may be in the crosswalk.
• Use your turn signals appropriately to warn other vehicles of your intent.

Never:

• Run red lights or roll through a stop sign.
• Speed through intersections.
• Follow too closely.
• Make unsafe left-hand turns.
• Rely on having the right of way.

Motorists are reminded to use extra caution at intersections, especially in winter when roads can be icy, slippery, and snow-covered. Speeding, running red lights and failing to yield to pedestrians can have tragic consequences. So, slow down and drive smart.

Mark Bello has thirty-three years experience as a trial lawyer and twelve years as an underwriter and situational analyst in the lawsuit funding industry. He is the owner and founder of Lawsuit Financial Corporation which helps provide legal finance cash flow solutions and consulting when necessities of life litigation funding is needed by plaintiffs involved in pending, personal injury litigation. Bello is a Justice Pac member of the American Association for Justice, Sustaining and Justice Pac member of the Michigan Association for Justice, Business Associate of the Florida, Tennessee, and Colorado Associations for Justice, a member of the American Bar Association as well as their ABA Advisory Committee, the State Bar of Michigan and the Injury Board.