Alabama’s Most Dangerous Intersections
Posted in Uncategorized on February 28, 2018.
Car accidents are the leading cause of unintentional death and injury in the United States, including Alabama. However, there are some factors that may increase your risk for experiencing an accident. The state’s most dangerous intersection is right here in Birmingham, at University Boulevard and 28th Street, according to recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported by Time magazine.
The study analyzed crash data for the years between 2003 and 2012. Researchers used map coordinates to determine the number of fatal accidents that occurred within a specific area (150 feet). The study paid special attention to the crossing sites of two roads. The state’s most dangerous intersection, University Boulevard and 28th street, experienced two fatal crashes within the 10-year timeframe. Bensalem, Pennsylvania, is home to the most dangerous intersection in the country. That intersection experienced seven fatal car crashes occurred within the same time period.
Alabama ranks as the eighth most dangerous state overall for drivers, with an average of 17 road deaths per 100,000 people. In 2016, Alabama reported 1,038 traffic fatalities, the 13th highest in the country. Of these, 279 were connected to drunk driving and another 317 were linked to high speeds.
Other Types of Dangerous Intersections
University and 28th is not the only intersection that poses a risk to local drivers. Statistically, there are some types of intersections that are more dangerous than others. These include:
- Intersections with flashing lights. When traffic volume decreases, many rural and some urban streetlights switch over to flashing yellow and red lights. Flashing red lights should be treated like a stop sign, while yellow lights simply indicate that a driver should use caution while approaching the intersection. Unfortunately, these lights often switch over to flashing at nighttime, when it’s hard to judge another vehicle’s speed. These types of intersections can lead to serious and even fatal T-bone accidents.
- Service drives and frontage roads. These special types of access routes are typically buffers between local roads and highways. While these service routes are not meant for through traffic, some people use them that way, while driving at the fast speeds intended for the adjacent highway. Only use these roads as intended – to access a local business or road.
- Roundabouts. This type of intersection can help improve traffic volume and decrease wait time in urban areas. Since they are an uncommon type of intersection, though, motorists can become confused and cause car accidents by failing to yield. When used appropriately, these intersections can reduce injury-causing accidents involving both vehicles and pedestrians.
- High-speed intersections. Rural routes and two-lane highways with high posted speeds can lead to accidents, making them some of the most dangerous types of intersections. Drivers operating vehicles at high speeds might not be able to react in time if a driver cuts across the road. T-bone accidents tend to be the most common type of crash at these intersections, and at high speeds they are often fatal.
Reducing Your Risk of Injury at Dangerous Intersections
By observing some simple tips, you can reduce your risk of incurring serious or fatal injury in an accident at a dangerous intersection:
- Limit night driving. Approximately half of all fatal accidents in Alabama occur at night. It can be difficult to judge speed at night, and drunk drivers are more likely to be on the road.
- Limit distractions. Put your phone away, don’t fiddle with the radio, and dedicate your full attention to driving – especially if you’re driving in unfamiliar territory.
Alabama’s most dangerous accidents contribute to injury and deaths throughout the state each year. Know which intersection pose the biggest dangers and take steps to reduce your risk of being in a serious accident.