Intersections are a planned point of conflict to drivers according to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. Our Boston personal injury lawyers agree that motorists should consider intersections the single most complex traffic situation a driver will encounter.
Despite increased traffic engineering measures over the past 25 years, the numbers of crashes at intersections remains basically unchanged. Almost 21% of the total traffic fatalities in the U.S. were intersection-related in 2009.
Resources devoted to intersection safety are coming from a variety of organizations, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), FHWA, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) and AAA.
The Fatality Analysis Reporting System reported in 2009 over 4,500 fatal crashes nationally at intersections with traffic signals or stop signs.
Over the last 5 years Massachusetts has seen a decline in fatal crashes at intersections. We had 92 crashes in 2005 and reported 78 crashes in 2009.
Although total fatal crashes and intersection crashes are down, the percentage of intersection crashes remains basically the same. Meaning, over the last 5 years, an average of 21% of the total fatal crashes happened at Massachusetts intersections.
We can all agree that intersections are tricky places. But if approached with caution they can be less daunting. Remember to always come to a complete stop at a stop sign. Oncoming traffic has the right of way. Motorists should yield to oncoming traffic when making a left turn. If you are first in line, watch for vehicles that may run through the red light. Appropriately use your turn signals so other drivers know what you are doing. Stop at a yellow traffic light unless it is unsafe to do so.
The 100 most dangerous intersections in southeastern Massachusetts are listed in the Southeastern Regional Planning & Economic Development District (SRPEDD) report for 2006 to 2008. The report indicated that there were 618 red-light-running crashes in the previous report covering the time span of 2002 to 2004. In the 2006 to 2008 report, red light running crashes almost doubled totaling 1,287.
Intersections have been proven deadly in Massachusetts. Motorists are reminded to slow down and use caution as they enter and go through an intersection in order to avoid a serious motor vehicle crash.
If you or someone you love has been involved in an accident, contact Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers for assistance. Call for a free consultation to discuss your rights at (617) 777-7777.