Twenty percent of all fatal car crashes in Florida and nationally take place at intersections.
They happen in many different ways. Cars zoom past stop signs. Trucks go through red lights. One vehicle turns directly into the path of another.
Half of all auto accidents that result in serious injuries occur where two or more streets come together.
A case in point: five people, including a two-year-old child being taken to daycare, were hurt in an early-morning intersection crash in Pompano Beach. The toddler was thrown from the car on impact.
“They were making a left turn and a car came out of nowhere and hit them,” a relative of three of the victims told CBS Miami about the auto accident that happened.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the car seat was not attached properly and the child was not properly restrained.
Seven Safety Steps for Intersections
- Follow the signs. Various types of traffic signs warn of upcoming intersections and merging lanes. Pay attention to the signs and know what they mean.
- Come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights. Look both ways for traffic before proceeding, regardless of the color of the light.
- Double-check. Get in the habit of looking twice before entering an intersection, even if you have the right of way.
- Use your turn signals. Let other vehicles know what you are doing.
- Put away distractions. Don’t use your cell phone, adjust the radio or interact with passengers in your car.
- Expect the unexpected. Never assume that other drivers will follow the rules.
- Be careful making turns. Watch out for bicycles and pedestrians.
If you have been in an intersection accident, contact a qualified Florida auto accident attorney for a case evaluation.
Sources:
- Federal Highway Administration
http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/ - CBS Miami
http://miami.cbslocal.com/2013/05/09/five-people-including-toddler-hurt-in-pompano-beach-crash/
