Intersection Crashes a Serious Issue in Los Angeles

October 31, 2012 (Press-News.org) Los Angeles residents may recall news of a hit-and-run crash back in March 2012. A man driving a white Ford pickup truck allegedly collided head on with a motorcycle. The truck driver fled the scene and the biker died there.

The accident caused the intersection of Nordhoff Street and DeSoto Avenue to be closed in all directions while the incident was investigated. The victim was a 25-year-old old male.

Why Are Intersections Dangerous?

Several factors contribute to intersection crashes. More activity is occurring at intersections than in other areas of roadways. Intersections are uniquely dangerous because two or more roads come together and cross one another, sometimes requiring driver judgments concerning turning and yielding.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration did a National Motor Vehicle Crash Causation Survey and reports that in 2008 about 40 percent of the nearly 6 million accidents nationally were intersection crashes. Almost all of these intersection-crash causes were driver related.

Some of the major reasons for intersection collisions include:
- Inattentionto surroundings
- Distractions
- Aggressive driving
- Driving too fast for conditions
- Misjudging the actions of other drivers or pedestrians
- Illegal moves or turns, especially at intersections with stop signs or traffic signals

Additionally, drivers are more likely to make turns (usually left) with obstructed views in intersections than in other places on the road.

Los Angeles Intersections

According to a recent study at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, Los Angeles drivers are involved in fatal accidents with pedestrians or bicyclists at a much higher rate than are most other U.S. drivers. In Los Angeles, pedestrians account for approximately one-third of road fatalities, three times higher than the national average.

Intersections are a common location for these fatal accidents. The study estimates that 36 percent of fatal crashes occur at intersections in Los Angeles significantly higher than the national rate of 22 percent.

Prevention

Designers of intersections should be aware of two important principles. First, make sure that approaches to intersections are visible to approaching drivers. Second, ensure that signs and lane markings are easy to understand.

To help avoid intersection crashes, drivers should approach crossings slowly. They should also try to enter the intersection in the correct lane for their intended actions.

Pay strict attention to both traffic signs and other drivers. Maintain a safe distance from other cars and stay out of their blind spots. Stay free of distractions such as radios or cellphones.

An individual injured in an intersection accident due to the negligence of another may be entitled to compensation. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide knowledge and guidance as well as assist with obtaining relief.

Article provided by Law Office of Daniel W. Dunbar
Visit us at www.dandunbarlaw.com/