Heavily trafficked highways and beltways tend to be some of the most dangerous intersections in Houston. From the Woodlands to Pearland and Pasadena, the region is already noteworthy for its number of serious car accidents but crashes in intersections are particularly dangerous.
Unfortunately, not all accidents can be avoided. And when you or a loved one are suffering because of someone else’snegligence, you should call aHouston car accident attorneyrifght away.
You should not be held accountable for the damages, and The Krist Law Firm, P.C. can help. Call us at(281) 283-8500for a free consultation. We havea long track recordof successfully getting people everything they deserve. Let us review what happened and explain your next steps.
The Most Dangerous Intersections in Houston
In addition to motorists, intersections pose serious risks for pedestrians and bicyclists. For example, in 2018, the Houston Police reported 66 pedestrians and nine bicyclistslost their livesin accidents involving vehicles. As a result,LINK Houstonand other agencies got together to identify and improve dangerous intersections.
Factors in their ranking of hazards include poor signage, not enough time to cross the street, and fading paint on crosswalks.
In addition to the 12 intersections LINK Houston found, they highlighted Westheimer and Dairy Ashford, Bellaire and Ranchester, and Fannin and Pierce as the top three most dangerous intersections for pedestrians in Houston.
Other Dangerous Intersections
According to LINK Houston’s initiative, the other most dangerous intersections in the area are:
- Long Point & Gessner
- Fondren & West Bellfort
- Bissonnet & Wilcrest
- Shepherd & Allen Pkwy & Kirby
- Taylor & Spring & MKT Trail
- Hawthorne & Spur 527 & Holman
- West & Airline
- Bellaire & S Gessner
- 11th & Nicholson
- Patterson & Washington
Aside from those mentioned, the fork between Beltway 8 and Genoa-Red Bluff Road is a common site for severe car crashes. This is likely because the intersection is wider and longer than a standard intersection. Therefore, it takes additional time for vehicles to cross, which increases the room for error.
Other hazardous intersections include Highway 6 at Westheimer and Highway 6 at FM 529. Poor timing of traffic signal lights at these junctures contributes to their high accident rates. Intersections built on steep inclines such as the one between Highway 59 and FM1960, also pose certain dangers because hills will limit a driver’s line of sight. It can be easy for someone to miss a stop sign and fail to react in time to oncoming traffic.
虽然Texas Department of Transportation应负责提供有效的accident-prevention mechanisms at all intersections, it is ultimately up to drivers to practice safe driving habits.
The Dangers of Intersections
According to theU.S. Federal Highway Administration, approximately a quarter of traffic fatalities and half of all car accident injuries occur at intersections. Although most crossroads are regulated by stop signs or traffic signals, they still act as points of tension between vehicles moving in opposite directions.
Accidents in 4-Way Intersections
Four-way intersections, in particular, tend to draw high volumes of traffic. This also creates inefficiencies, lead to road rage, and increase accident rates.
Some of the biggest safety risks at intersections include:
- Speeding– Often times at an intersection, you cannot see other vehicles approaching until it is too late. A reckless driver accustomed to speeding down local roads can easily blow past a stop sign and cause a serious car crash.
- Unsafe Left Turns– Making a left turn is one of the most dangerous maneuvers at a crowded intersection. When traffic lights do not include left turn indicators, drivers have to make their own judgment call, and any misstep can lead to a deadly ‘t-bone’ collision.
- Right-of-Way– At uncontrolled or T-intersections, drivers must abide by the ‘right-of-way’ rule, but those unfamiliar with American traffic laws might stir up confusion.
- Pedestrians Crossing– Texas traffic laws require vehicles to stop for pedestrians at designated crosswalks, but potential jaywalkers and distracted drivers both pose risks for other cars on the road.
How a Houston Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you or a loved one have been injured because of a negligent driver in an intersection, you have enough to deal with. Let us remove your stress and pursue the financial recovery you deserve. By working withThe Krist Law Firm, P.C., you’ll have an experienced lawyer to review what happened, help determine liability, and fight to get you maximum compensation.
Our Houston car accident attorneys are ready to help and with ahistory of getting results, we know how to secure what you deserve. Let us handle everything, so you can focus on getting better.
To discuss your situation with our experienced Houston car accident attorneys,contact us onlineor call(281) 283-8500. We offer free consultations and if you choose to work with us, there will be no up-front costs. You won’t owe a dime until we obtain compensation for you.