States and municipalities must remain proactive when dealing with dangerous intersections. Modifying and repairing perilous roads and intersections remains a priority. Intersection design and safety play critical roles in protecting drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
Here are some statistics to ponder. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) notes that more than half of all fatal and injurious crashes in the U.S. occur at or near intersections. Also, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 34% of all motorcyclist deaths took place at intersections in 2019.
The Gulf Coast region of Florida has its share of dangerous intersections, including two that have gotten recent attention for ongoing problems, collisions and fatalities.
East of Tampa, Hillsborough County plans to spend $2.2 million at a convergence of two roads in Brandon; N. Valrico Rd. and Sydney Road. Improvements may help the county shake its tag as being among the country’s most dangerous for drivers and pedestrians. In the past decade, more than 1,800 people died in the county in motor vehicle accidents.
North of Tampa in Pasco County, two people died in March when the driver of an SUV crashed into a construction barrel and struck a sedan traveling in the same direction on U.S. Highway 19. An oncoming car swerved to avoid striking the sedan and collided with the SUV, which rolled over. Killed in the collision were a passenger in the SUV and the driver of the car that crashed into the SUV. Drivers have long complained about the dangers of this intersection at Beach Blvd and US19, where a reported 10 deadly collisions have recently occurred.
A variety of factors contribute to dangerous intersections and may include:
Some of these factors are out of the control of the typical driver. But it is always a good idea to focus on defensive driving.
Drivers and pedestrians must remain alert regarding the potential dangers at traffic intersections. State and local governments play an obvious role in improving these roadways. However, drivers also must understand the potential hazards caused by negligent and reckless drivers.
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