Intersection crashes are relatively common. People might make dangerous choices, like picking up their phones when they stop at an intersection. They may fail to monitor their surroundings or might perform a rolling stop instead of following traffic rules.
All kinds of mistakes and inappropriate practices could potentially increase the likelihood of a collision at an intersection. Many of these factors that contribute to crash risk involve illegal or inappropriate conduct. However, an analysis of the factors that contribute to intersection collisions shows that many of them involve perfectly benign traffic behavior. One common maneuver that is completely lawful could theoretically lead to a motor vehicle collision at an intersection.
What choice increases intersection crash risk?
Drivers approaching an intersection have to choose their path forward and communicate that choice to others nearby. They might turn off onto the other street or proceed straight through the intersection. The decision to turn left is common, as doing so is often the most efficient way to reach a destination.
Unfortunately, it is also the most dangerous choice someone can make when approaching an intersection. According to an analysis of driver conduct prior to intersection collisions, roughly 61% of the crashes that take place at intersections involve at least one vehicle attempting to turn left.
This research is not particularly new or surprising. The dangers of left-hand turns have been well known for years. The exposure to every oncoming lane of traffic and the slow movement of a left turn make turning left more dangerous than turning right or proceeding directly through an intersection.
What does this mean for traffic safety?
The good news is that turning left does not automatically lead to an allocation of fault after a crash. Provided that a driver used their turn signals and followed all traffic signs are lights, they may not be the party at fault for the crash.
The bad news is that left-hand turns often lead to T-bone collisions that cause serious injury and major vehicle damage. Drivers can try to avoid turning left at locations without designated left-hand turn lanes or signals. They may also want to avoid turning left at particularly busy intersections during rush hour.
Signaling proactively and yielding the right of way to drivers who appear aggressive can also help reduce the risk of a crash. If another motorist proceeds through the intersection and strikes someone turning left, the driver not at fault for the crash may be able to hold them legally and financially accountable.
Learning more about traffic safety concerns and adjusting personal habits can help people reduce their risk of a motor vehicle collision. Those who prioritize their safety in traffic can hold others accountable if they cause crashes on public roads.