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SLOW DOWN FOR ALL INTERSECTIONS
The most dangerous point of any street or highway is where it intersects another road. The three major contributing factors to intersection accidents are: delayed perception, speed too fast for conditions and false assumptions.
DELAYED PERCEPTION – Delayed perception occurs when you are distracted, confused or diverted by other competing hazards while the ultimate hazard is rapidly developing (e.g. watching pedestrians, looking for a street address or sign, etc.).
SPEED – Drivers who fail to slow down for intersections risk a serious accident. They are traveling so fast by the time they perceive the hazard, they are involved with it.
FALSE ASSUMPTIONS – A large number of drivers who become involved in intersection accidents do so because they wrongfully assume the other driver will act in a certain way. (e.g. a flashing turn signal is an indication that the vehicle will make a turn – if it doesn’t…will you be able to stop?)
Here are a few suggestions to help you avoid crashes at intersections:
- Match speed with visibility at intersections. Always be able to stop your vehicle short of the intersection.
- Resist distractions. Keep your eyes moving – looking all directions, then look again.
- Do not assume anything. Just because you have the right-of-way, or think you do, doesn’t mean the other driver will yield it to you.
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