A large number of the motor vehicle collisions that occur every year happen at intersections. When vehicles traveling in different directions have to pass in close proximity to one another, the risk for a wreck is always there.
Factors ranging from the weather to the chemical impairment of the drivers involved can influence the likelihood of a crash. However, an analysis of traffic statistics shows a not-so-surprising trend regarding the cause of intersection wrecks.
There is a strong connection among the top three reported causes of intersection collisions. Learning that connection could help you stay safer when out on the road.
What are the leading causes of intersection crashes?
Over 90% of the collisions that occur at intersections have causes attributable to mistakes by the drivers. In rare situations, weather or road issues will be the primary cause rather than decisions made by the drivers. When drivers caused intersection crashes, there is one issue responsible for almost two-thirds of intersection crashes.
According to federal statistics about the causes of intersection crashes, there is a clear trend. The top cause cited for collisions at intersections was inadequate surveillance, which caused 44.1% of the crashes.
The second most common reason was an inaccurate assumption about another driver’s intentions, which causes 8.4% of intersection crashes. The third leading cause, responsible for another 7.8% of intersection wrecks, was the decision to turn with an obstructed view. All of these issues have to do with how well someone observes the intersection and nearby traffic before proceeding.
Defensive driving at intersections means taking a cautious approach
You can prevent crashes caused by inadequate surveillance by making a point to double-check traffic conditions at an intersection before driving through. Pausing to make sure that drivers actually come to a stop or begin to turn can help prevent collisions caused by misjudgment. Carefully moving forward to improve visibility can help those approaching an intersection with compromised visibility.
Taking a few extra seconds to check the intersection carefully could help you successfully avoid a crash. Learning about what causes different kinds of motor vehicle collisions can help you avoid causing them and hold people accountable when they make bad driving decisions.
