Every time you get behind the wheel to drive on a West Virginia roadway, there is a certain amount of inherent risk involved. You can control your own driving behavior, but there isn’t much you can do about another driver’s actions. Some sections of road tend to be more dangerous than others, such as intersections.
When you navigate a crossroads, you must be alert and cautious. Have you ever approached a four-way stop knowing you have the right-of-way but another car accelerates and drives directly into your path? If you’re able to hit the brakes in time, you might avoid a collision. However, this is one of many reasons it pays to learn as much as you can about intersection safety tips.
Right-of-way doesn’t always mean safe to go
As mentioned earlier, if you have the right-of-way at a crossroads, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe to proceed. To reduce the risk of collision, it’s helpful to carefully scan the area to make sure no other driver is trying to move ahead of you. If you’re unsure whether it’s your turn, it’s always best to defer to the other driver.
Failing to yield a right-of-way is a causal factor in many intersection collisions. The fact that numerous collisions take place at intersections shows how dangerous such stretches of roadway can be. If you arrive at a four-way stop simultaneously with numerous other vehicles, it’s always best to yield to the driver on your right.
Be especially cautious when turning
Just because you see another driver doesn’t necessarily mean that he or she is paying close enough attention to be aware of your presence on the road. If someone is looking down at a cellphone or is otherwise distracted at the wheel, he or she may not even realize a traffic light has turned red. This is why it‘s so important to inspect all surrounding areas before you attempt a turn at an intersection.
To be as safe as possible, it’s best to travel at 5 miles per hour or less when navigating a turn at an intersection. This might mean the difference between being able to stop in time to avoid a crash or winding up in the back of an ambulance if someone runs a red light or fails to stop at a stop sign.
Various types of intersections
If traffic lights, stop signs or other signage governs your movements at an intersection, you are at a secured crossroad. However, some have no signage or lights at all. Roundabouts are yet another type of intersection, and safely getting through one of these traffic circles can be a stressful experience.
If you’re a cautious driver and courteous toward others with whom you share the road, you increase your chances of arriving safely to your destination. Another driver’s negligence can change your life in an instant, though. That’s why it’s a good idea to know what to do and where to seek support if you’re involved in a collision that results in injury to you or your loved one.
