Dangerous Intersections and Maryland Car Accident Cases

Maryland State Police continue to investigate an accident that occurred in Solomons, approximately 95 miles due south of Baltimore. The BayNet online news source reported that, on August 27, 2017, a trooper responded to reports of a car accident at the intersection of Route 4 and Patuxent Point Parkway around 1 p.m. The crash involved multiple vehicles, including a Ford Expedition that had rolled over in the collision; the driver was transported via Medevac to Prince George’s Hospital Shock Trauma Center. Police accident reconstruction experts were on the scene and closed down the intersection to assess what may have caused the crash. There are various factors that play a role in Maryland car accidents, but there are certain issues that make hazardous intersections an extreme risk for drivers.

Factors That Affect Crash Rates at Intersections

One intersection may be more dangerous when compared to another due to:

  • High Traffic Volume: With greater numbers of drivers, buses, trucks, cyclists, and pedestrians present, there is an increased risk of accidents, especially during rush hour.
  • Limited Visibility: Motorists may unable to see a threat in time to avoid it, such as oncoming traffic or a hidden structure.
  • Inadequate Signage: Drivers may become confused if signage is poor or they may dedicate too much attention to trying to figure out the signs, instead of driving.
  • Lack of Turn Lanes: In the absence of dedicated turn lanes, motorists must make proper decisions when making a left to ensure they pass safely across all lanes. An error puts the vehicle directly in the path of oncoming traffic.

National Highway Transportation Safety Administration Study

The NHTSA published a Study of Crash Factors in Intersection Related Crashes in September 2010. Some trends in driver behavior at intersections were notable:

  • Driver inattention and illegal maneuvers are often a factor in intersection crashes.
  • Drivers turning into traffic often exercise poor judgment in estimating the speed of approaching cars that are traveling in the same lane.
  • Accidents at intersections are commonly due to internal or external factors when looking at younger drivers. Distracted driving includes texting, phone use, radio operations, and other activities that take focus away from driving.
  • Drivers aged 25 to 54 are more likely to be involved in a collision due to fatigue or aggressive driving.

Hazardous intersections present a risk for Maryland drivers, but there are usually numerous human-related factors that factor in to the causes of a car accident. When another motorist is negligent in operating a vehicle through an intersection, the chances of traffic collision increase considerably. If you are injured in such an incident, you do have rights to recover compensation for your losses. You will need a dedicated lawyer to advocate on your behalf, especially when discussing settlement with the responsible driver’s insurance company. Attorney Michael A. Freedman is knowledgeable in Maryland laws regarding auto accident cases, and has extensive experience representing injured victims. For more information or to schedule an initial consultation, please contact our Owings Mills, MD office.

 

See Related Blog Posts:

What NOT to Say When You Have Been in a Car Accident

Maryland Truck Crash Demonstrates Importance of Accident Reconstruction

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