Vehicular accidents in Rhode Island can occur anywhere. One of the most common areas for a car accident to occur is at an intersection. Intersection car and motor vehicle accidents account for over 60 percent of all vehicular accidents. Knowing the most common types of intersection accidents and how they occur can help you remain safe while on the road.
Failing to obey traffic signals
The most common type of accident to occur in an intersection is one where someone fails to obey a traffic signal. Running a red light, making a turn without a signal, or failing to yield can lead to serious car accidents. A majority of these events are due to red light running and usually result in a “T-Bone” accident.
Right Hand Turns and intersection accident
Although it is legal to turn right on red in most states, this type of turn is the second leading cause of intersection accidents. Many people do not judge the distance of oncoming cars well or do not realize that traffic going in the opposite direction has the right-of-way. Some of these accidents occur due to turning too far out, or crossing lanes, when making the turn.
“Red light runners cause hundreds of deaths and tens of thousands of injuries each year. In 2014, 709 people were killed and an estimated 126,000 were injured in crashes that involved red light running. Over half of those killed were pedestrians, bicyclists and people in other vehicles who were hit by the red light runners. An Institute study of urban crashes found that those involving drivers who ran red lights, stop signs and other traffic controls were the most common type of crash (22 percent). Injuries occurred in 39 percent of the crashes in which motorists ran traffic controls. 1“ Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Highway Loss Data institute, http://www.iihs.org/iihs/topics/t/red-light-running/qanda
Pedestrian Accident in RI
Another portion of intersection accidents are attributed to events involving pedestrians. Right hand turns while a pedestrian is crossing the street are the leading cause of pedestrian accidents at an intersection. It is crucial for all drivers to yield to the pedestrians and make sure that the intersection is clear before turning. Other pedestrian events include people crossing the street against the light and against traffic.
Bicycle Accident
Accidents involving cars and bicycle riders are common at intersections. Many drivers, including those on the bicycle, do not follow road safety rules at an intersection when these two types of vehicles are present. Many bicycle accidents occur during a right turn by a car when the bicycle is proceeding through the intersection. Drivers should always take caution when they see a bicycle on the road.
All Other Events
Of course, there are other events that occur at intersections that can lead to an accident. Rear end collisions, side swiping, and reckless driving events can all occur. However, these types of accidents are the smallest percentage of all intersection accidents.
To remain safe on the road, it is very important to adhere to all traffic signs and signals. Even though failure to obey traffic signals is the leading cause of accidents at an intersection, it is also the easiest problem to correct.
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