What to Know About Crashes at Intersections

Intersections are any point in a road where two or more roads cross or meet. They help facilitate the movement of vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, allowing for changes in direction and access to different routes. In addition to being vital parts of roads throughout Oklahoma, they can also be dangerous with high rates of collisions.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, about one-quarter of traffic fatalities and half of all traffic injuries in the U.S. occur at intersections. Anytime you approach or drive through an intersection, whether it’s equipped with stop signs or traffic lights, it’s important to be cautious and understand the risks you face from other drivers.

In this blog, we share important facts about intersections, including tips for crossing through them safely when traveling to and from your destination.

What Are the Main Types of Intersections?

There are multiple types of intersections, and each is designed to handle specific traffic patterns and volumes.

• A four-way intersection is where two roads cross, forming a “+” or “X” shape. These intersections are commonly found in urban and suburban areas and are typically controlled by traffic signals or stop signs to manage the flow of vehicles from all directions.
• A T-intersection is shaped like the letter “T,” where one road meets and ends at another. At these intersections, the road that ends usually has a stop or yield sign, while the through road typically has priority. T-intersections are common in residential areas and rural settings.
• A Y-intersection is similar to a T-intersection but with a Y shape. In a Y-intersection, one road splits into two different directions. Y-intersections are commonly found in areas where a road needs to diverge into two separate paths, such as rural or hilly terrain.
• A three-way intersection is where three roads meet and, depending on the layout, includes features of both T and Y intersections. These intersections use varied control mechanisms like stop signs or signals to ensure smooth traffic flow.
• Roundabouts are circular intersections where traffic moves around a central island counterclockwise. They are designed to improve traffic flow and reduce the likelihood of severe collisions by eliminating cross-traffic. Roundabouts are increasingly popular in urban areas due to their ability to manage high traffic volumes smoothly without the need for traffic signals.

What Types of Crashes Happen at Intersections?

Depending on the location of the intersection, dozens or thousands of vehicles may pass through on any given day. When vehicles traveling in different directions meet at a single point in the road, the crash risk increases significantly.

Multiple types of crashes can occur at intersections, including:

• T-Bone Collisions: Also known as side-impact or broadside collisions, these occur when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. They often happen when a driver runs a red light or stop sign.
• Rear-End Collisions: These occur when a vehicle hits the back of another vehicle, often due to sudden stopping or distracted driving.
• Head-On Collisions: These happen when two vehicles traveling in opposite directions collide front-to-front, often due to a vehicle crossing into an oncoming traffic lane.
• Left-Turn Accidents: These occur when a vehicle making a left turn is struck by oncoming traffic, usually due to misjudging the speed or distance of approaching vehicles or failing to cede right of way.
• Pedestrian and Cyclist Accidents: Intersections are common locations for accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, who may be less visible to drivers.

What Are Common Causes of Intersection Crashes?

Crashes happen at intersections for the same reasons as anywhere else on the road. However, crashes are more likely at intersections than anywhere else due to the inherent danger of these areas of the road.

• Failure to Yield: Not yielding the right of way is a leading cause of intersection accidents. Drivers may fail to stop at stop signs or enter intersections out of turn.
• Red Light Running: Drivers running red lights or attempting to beat yellow lights can cause severe T-bone collisions.
• Distracted Driving: Using a phone or other distractions can lead to rear-end collisions and failure to notice traffic signals.
• Speeding: Driving too fast reduces reaction time at intersections and increases the severity of crashes.
• Poor Visibility: Intersections with poor lighting or obstructed views can lead to collisions.

Tips for Reducing Your Risk of a Collision at Intersections

Although intersections can be dangerous, you can take a few important steps to significantly reduce your risk of being involved in an intersection crash.

• Stay Alert: Pay attention to traffic signals and other vehicles, especially at busy intersections.
• Yield Appropriately: Always yield to pedestrians and other vehicles when required.
• Avoid Distractions: Focus on the road and avoid using electronic devices while driving.
• Be Cautious with Left Turns: Ensure you have a clear view and enough time to make left turns safely.
• Slow Down: Reducing your speed can give you more time to react to unexpected situations at intersections.
• Be Prepared to Stop: It can be tempting to speed up to try to make it through a yellow light, but if the light turns yellow and you’re still approaching the intersection, begin slowing down and preparing to come to a complete stop. If the light changes before you cross the intersection without giving you enough time to stop safely, you are at risk of causing a collision.
• Wait When the Light Turns Green: Drivers run red lights more often than you think. When the light turns green, wait a few moments before entering the intersection and look both ways to ensure another driver isn’t running the red light because they tried to beat the yellow or are driving distracted and didn’t notice the light change.

Contact Our Oklahoma City Car Accident Lawyers After a Crash

Even in cases where the cause of an intersection crash is clear cut—i.e., someone ran a red light—getting compensation is often more difficult than you might expect. And when fault is difficult to determine, such as a crash at a four-way stop with no unbiased witnesses, many victims have their claims denied by the insurance companies.

At Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers, we know what evidence to look for, collect, analyze, and present to build strong claims for our clients regardless of where their crashes occurred. Whether you were injured at an intersection, on an interstate, or even in a parking lot, you can count on our experience and dedication. Contact our Oklahoma City auto accident attorneys today for a free consultation.