The days of leisurely Sunday drives on windy country roads, traveling with a top down in a convertible, or piled into a family station wagon are all but gone from the American landscape. Nowadays, many people in Louisiana and elsewhere dread getting behind the wheel for any non-essential reason because roadways are often so dangerous due to negligent and reckless drivers. In fact, intersections in this state and beyond are some of the most dangerous places in the nation when it comes to automobile travel.
There are various types of crossroads, some of which are controlled and others not. Either type places you at risk for a serious car accident when another motorist in your vicinity fails to adhere to traffic regulations.
What makes some intersections more dangerous than others?
When multiple vehicles simultaneously arrive at an intersection, there’s always a certain amount of danger inherently present. Getting every driver through safely means each one must remain alert and cautious behind the wheel. Following are reasons some intersections pose more risk to motorists than others:
- Poor lighting
- Incomplete sidewalks
- Inadequate signage
- Frequent jaywalking
- Aggressive drivers
Louisiana is known for its rolling hills, woodlands and pastoral beauty. However, it also happens to be the site of the most dangerous intersection in the entire country. Statistics show seven fatal accidents within a 10-year period at this particular intersection. Many of the items listed above were cited as problems at this intersection.
Other factors that create danger at intersections
You can be the safest driver on the road, but if another motorist is speeding, driving drunk or otherwise acting negligently, you and all others (including pedestrians) are at great risk for injury. Think of the intersections you frequently navigate to determine if one or more of the following dangers exist:
- High volumes of traffic
- Large numbers of bicyclists and other pedestrians
- No traffic lights or stop signs
- Views blocked by landmarks or surrounding landscape
It’s not likely you’ll travel by car without having to navigate one or more intersections in the future. Intersections are a common fixture in modern day road design. If another driver blows through a red light or stop sign, or doesn’t yield a right of way and strikes your vehicle resulting in your injury, you may need extensive medical care and post-accident assistance in order to achieve a full recovery.
People in such situations often experience feelings of anger and frustration knowing their accidents were likely preventable if not for the poor driving choices of others. A personal injury attorney understands such emotion as he or she is used to helping people get their lives back on track and seek justice against any and all parties deemed responsible for their injuries.