Many of us wonder why injury accidents at intersections are increasing in Louisville and across the United States.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) more than 36% of injury accidents occur in an intersection.  96% of these car accidents are caused by an error on the part of one or more of the drivers involved.

The most common source identified in the study is “inadequate surveillance,” which accounts for more than 44% of intersection related crashes.  Most often, inadequate surveillance is associated with failing to take a careful look before entering an intersection or making a turn.  Inadequate surveillance also takes into account accidents associated with pedestrians and bicyclists.

Making a false assumption about the behavior of other drivers accounts for almost 10% of why injury accidents at intersections are increasing.  It is natural for experienced to drivers to make assumptions about what other drivers will do.  We expect other motorists to obey the law, come to full stop or properly yield the right of way.  Unfortunately many of these accidents occur because other drivers do not use turn signals or make other efforts to communicate what they intend to do.

Illegal driving behaviors such as speeding, accelerating through a yellow light or running a red light account for almost another 7% of serious injuries from car accidents in an intersection.  Just behind that the report noted a substantial increase in the number of distracted drivers.  The use of cell phones, texting and reading email or social media as well as common occurrences such as eating or applying makeup contribute to distracted driving related accident statistics.

Injury accidents at intersections are increasing and the best thing you can do to avoid them is to be vigilant and heighten your awareness whenever you approach an intersection.  If you or someone you love is injured in a motor vehicle accident we invite you to contact HLH or call (866) 583-9701 for a free consultation.