Virginia intersection accident attorneys

The five most common causes of intersection accidents are as follows, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). We offer you related safety tips to help keep you and your loved ones from being injured at intersections:

1. Inadequate surveillance: “Inadequate surveillance” could be described as not “watching out!” It’s a common cause of traffic accidents: not looking carefully where you’re about to go, such as when turning or changing lanes.When turning left at an intersection, look out for oncoming traffic, as well as for cars, bicyclists, or pedestrians crossing the street in the direction you’re about to turn.Inadequate surveillance could also be forgetting to check the rearview mirror and both side-view mirrors before switching lanes. Try to always do this.
2. False assumption: When drivers make false assumptions or inaccurate predictions about what another driver is about to do, they may act incorrectly.For instance, when approaching an intersection to make a left turn, you might assume that an oncoming driver notices your turn signal and will slow down to allow you to turn. If the approaching driver does not slow down or stop, there will be a collision. False assumptions are often expressed as, “I thought he saw me,” or “I thought he was going to stop.”
3. Obstructed view: Your view can be obstructed by many things: part of your vehicle, a passenger, another vehicle (such as a large truck), a tree covering a stop sign, approaching headlights, bright sunshine at a low angle, fog, snow, rain, etc. Visual obstructions cause 7.8 percent of all intersection accidents. Be extra-careful anytime your view is obstructed.
4. Illegal maneuvers: While you may be a safe driver, you can’t count on other drivers to act accordingly. Illegal maneuvers, such as speeding, running a red light, failing to stop at a stop sign, or making an illegal turn, can lead to intersection accidents and serious injuries. Although you can’t prevent others from breaking the law, you can drive defensively. In fact, it’s often helpful to expect the worst from other drivers and be pleasantly surprised if you’re wrong.
5. Distracted driving: Distracted driving – specifically, using cell phones and other devices while driving – has become an epidemic on America’s roadways, and intersections are no exception. In fact, people at intersections are particularly vulnerable because many drivers check their phones while they’re stopped at red lights. Just be aware that other drivers may not be paying any attention to their surroundings when stopped, and you may need to honk to alert them to a potentially dangerous situation.