While driving through intersections is a normal part of your daily commute, certain intersections have more risks than others. Knowing these risks as well as the precautions you should take when traveling through dangerous intersections in Columbus can help keep you and other drivers safe.
What makes an intersection dangerous?
Determining what makes an intersection dangerous is not as simple as it may seem. Some intersections are more dangerous simply because they have a higher rate of car or foot traffic, while others are riskier because of the design of the intersection and its traffic signals. These dangers can be due to:
- Broken traffic signals
- Poorly timed lights
- Intersections without turn arrows
- Decreased visibility
- Distractions
These can help cause an accident, but many intersections are dangerous because of the drivers themselves. Accidents at intersections frequently occur because drivers of breaking traffic laws, including:
- Running red lights
- Failing to yield right-of-way (to other motorists as well as pedestrians)
- Speeding through the intersection
- Driving distracted
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Where are the most dangerous intersections in the greater Columbus area?
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission compiled a report on the most dangerous intersections in Delaware County and Franklin County, and parts of Fairfield County and Licking County.
According to the results, published in the Columbus Dispatch, the most dangerous intersection in Mid-Ohio is E. Livingston Avenue and S. Hamilton Road in Columbus. The rest of the top five were also found inside the city limits of Columbus. This includes:
- Broad St and James Road
- Dublin-Granville Road and Maple Canyon Drive
- Cleveland Ave and W. Dublin-Granville Road
- Morse Road, Northtowne Blvd, and Walford Street
The intersection with the most crashes overall during the year-long study was Cleveland Ave and Morse Road, with 250. It ranked sixth on the list.
What precautions should I take at a dangerous intersection?
Taking the right precautions while navigating dangerous intersections can help you avoid accidents and improve the chances that you arrive at home or work safely. These precautions include:
- Pay extra attention and take things slow in a dangerous intersection
- Do not make assumptions about other driver’s intentions or speed
- Do not attempt to pass in an intersection
- Do not drive aggressively, such as speeding up to beat a red light
- Stop at yellow lights, and do not chance it simply to make the light
- Do not text or read messages on your phone while driving
- Avoid all distractions, including eating, applying makeup, and other tasks
By following these precautions, you can reduce your risk of an intersection crash. However, if you do suffer injuries in a Columbus-area car accident, Bressman Law can help.
Contact us today at (614) 538-1116 for a free case evaluation.
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