Missouri intersections are inherently more dangerous than many other sections of roadways. Approaching a crossroad of any kind increases the risk of accidents. But even the most careful drivers cannot control the behavior of other motorists. Here are some helpful tips that may improve intersection safety.
Patience is the key to safety at an intersection. Sadly, many collisions happen because of driver impatience, road rage and negligence. This is why, in addition to knowing how to stay as safe as possible while navigating a crossroads, it is also important to know what to do if a collision occurs.
Avoid collisions by pausing before entering an intersection
Yes, a green light means “go,” and having a right-of-way at a stop sign is permission to move ahead with caution. However, neither of these things means a driver should immediately go when it is his or her turn. Many intersection collisions could be avoided if drivers were to exhibit more patience and pause to scan their surroundings before accelerating, even when it is their turn to proceed. This habit enables a driver to see if someone is running a red light or a pedestrian has stepped into the road.
Pausing before proceeding on a green arrow is another helpful tip to improve intersection safety in Missouri. Again, having a green light or right-of-way does not guarantee safety because a nearby motorist might disregard a red light or stop sign. Finally, if a driver has the right-of-way but another vehicle appears to be accelerating, it is always best to yield rather than battle for position on the roadway. If a collision occurs that results in injury that was caused by driver negligence, a recovering victim can seek restitution by filing a personal injury claim in civil court.