Attorney
Did you know that an intersection controlled by flashing lights has three times the likelihood of a car crash than an intersection controlled by a stop sign does? Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found this out and utexas.edu reported on it last month. Researchers will present the study later this month in Washington, D.C. at the National Transportation Research Board Meeting.
There is one car accident death every 16 minutes in the United States, according to the study. In addition, December and January are the deadliest months with the highest number of car accidents. Approximately 40 percent of all crashes occur at intersections, and researchers hope their findings can help reduce the number of intersection crashes.
The study found that flashing lights at intersections can confuse drivers, and the lights are usually placed at inherently dangerous intersections in the first place. Intersections along frontage roads are also dangerous because drivers fail to slow down after exiting a freeway or because drivers quickly switch lanes when approaching the intersection.
This study did not analyze car crashes or pedestrian injuries on roads with circles at the intersections. Many drivers and pedestrians in Washington, D.C. consider intersections at circles are the most dangerous and confusing to travel, e.g. Thomas, DuPont, Union Station. Any suggestions to improve traffic safety will be forwarded to the District of Columbia Government by our law firm.
Have you suffered injuries in an automobile accident at an intersection? Call our office today to schedule a free consultation.
Koonz McKenney Johnson & DePaolis LLP
Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia Injury Attorneys
Approved by attorney William Lightfoot