Intersections can be extremely dangerous and deadly. They are the leading cause of traffic-related deaths in the United States. They are often under-designed and poorly sighted, leading to a crash. The T-intersection is the most common type of intersection, which is especially hazardous for motorists because it is impossible to see oncoming traffic. Luckily, there are ways to avoid broadside accidents and intersections instead of falling victim to them.
1. Watch for Vehicles
This may seem like an obvious point, but it is essential. Always watch for cars to avoid broadside accidents and intersections. Be aware of your surroundings at all times when driving. Keep your eyes open and check every direction before moving forward. If you cannot see the road, there will be oncoming traffic or a pedestrian, or if it is too difficult to turn quickly enough when a car is approaching, do not move forward. Do not risk a crash or getting hit by the bus.
2. Stop at All Crosswalks
When approaching a crosswalk, whether protected by a crossing guard or not, slow down and stop, and wait until pedestrians are complete across the road before moving your car forward. This is not just for the safety of the pedestrians; you could get into a broadside accident with another vehicle if it was approaching from behind and could not stop quickly enough to avoid hitting you.
3. Avoid Hitting Other Cars
When in an intersection, ensure that other cars do not hit you. This is especially important when turning in the intersection or driving on the other side of a one-way street. If you hit another vehicle, you could be broadsided and get rear-ended or sideswiped, which could cause a crash. Be on the lookout for cars turning or moving into an intersection, and yield to them.
4. Allow for More Time in Intersections
When entering an intersection, allow extra time for cars to follow through the intersection before making your move. When making turns in an intersection, do not cut cars off. This can cause a car to stop, causing a broadside accident suddenly. If you have time, let the cars go through before moving. The reasons behind broadside collisions are often due to poor visibility, while intersections are notorious for poor visibility. You can avoid getting hurt or causing a crash by avoiding intersection and broadside accidents.
5. Slow Down When Approaching Intersections
Suppose you are approaching an intersection where cars will merge, slow down and not go too fast. If you go too fast, you may not have time to stop before crashing. Take your time when coming into an intersection and make sure not to speed up in the gloom of night or if there are many lights on the road at night.
6. Avoid Distracted Driving
Many things could distract you while driving, such as eating and drinking, talking on the phone, etc. However, your eyes should be focused on the road at all times. This can help avoid broadside accidents and intersections.
7. Watch for Pedestrians
The number one cause of broadside accidents is pedestrian-related. Ensure you watch for pedestrians at all times so you do not accidentally run them over. If you see someone walking, slow down and be careful to ensure they are crossing the street and not just walking across it. You could also use a crosswalk to cross the street safely if you cannot see the road.
Conclusion
These tips will help you avoid broadside accidents and intersections. Always be on the lookout for pedestrians, cars merging into your lane, and cars turning in front of you. By slowing down, being aware of your surroundings, and paying attention to all points on the road, you can avoid a broadside accident.