Collisions can occur anywhere that people operate motor vehicles. However, intersections represent one of the most dangerous locations for motorists and pedestrians. When there are many people and vehicles moving in different directions, there is an increased risk of a crash occurring.
Intersection collisions can cause devastating property damage and catastrophic injuries. Many intersection collisions involved the same known risk factor, and drivers who are aware of this can potentially increase their safety in traffic.
Left turns create dangerous circumstances
Turning left exposes a motorist to every approaching lane of traffic at an intersection. If they fail to use their turn signals or if other drivers don’t monitor traffic appropriately, a preventable collision could occur.
Almost two-thirds of intersection collisions involve at least one vehicle turning left. The risk is so significant that delivery companies plan routes to avoid left turns and urban designers install roundabouts to minimize left turns at busy intersections.
Drivers intending to turn left may want to select intersections with designated turn lanes or left-turn lights. They may also want to plan a different route that allows them to avoid turning at particularly busy intersections.
Consistent use of turn signals and appropriately yielding the right of way to others can also reduce the likelihood of a crash. Should a left-turn collision occur, the driver not at fault may have grounds to seek compensation from the motorist who hit them.
Initiating an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit can potentially help those injured in an intersection collision recoup their losses. Drivers who are proactive about safety may have an easier time proving that they are not the party at fault for a recent wreck.
