Law enforcement reports that a driver in East Wenatchee recently proceeded through a red light at an intersection, which resulted in a multiple-vehicle accident that injured one woman and two children. The accident occurred when the driver failed to stop for a red light and collided with a second vehicle in the intersection. The second vehicle then struck a third vehicle. All injured parties were taken to a nearby medical facility. Additional details about the accident are still under investigation.

The United States Department of Transportation reports that approximately 43% of motor vehicle accidents occur at intersections. It is critical for all drivers in Spokane as well as the rest of Washington to understand how intersection accidents commonly occur as well as what steps can be taken to avoid these accidents.

Common Types of Intersection Accidents

Some of the most common types of intersection accidents include the following:

• Collisions into pedestrians and others who might be located on or near the road
• Rear end collisions, which tend to occur because a driver is distracted and fails to stop his or her in time when approaching stopped cars at an intersection
• Side impact collisions, which involve one driver running a red light intentionally or attempting to race through an intersection before a yellow light turns red
• Side swipe collisions, which often occur when more than one vehicle turns at the same time

Ways to Avoid Intersection Accidents

Some of the strategies that drivers can use to avoid ending up in an intersection accident include the following:

• Always make sure to wear your seatbelt and insist that everyone who rides in your vehicle also wears a seatbelt
• Avoid all distractions on the road and instead focus on arriving at your destination safely
• Do not speed through intersections
• Drive defensively, which means anticipating various problems that can occur on the road

How to Stay Safe at Traffic Light Intersections

It is critical for drivers to exercise a high degree of caution when passing through intersections with traffic lights. Some of the steps that motorists should take in these situations include:

• Keep enough distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you so that you are able to steer around the vehicles if it becomes disabled
• Look to your left and right while passing through the intersection to remain observant of drivers who might be attempting to beat a traffic signal change
• Remain extra cautious when traveling in winter weather
• Understand the rules of the road at intersections and at traffic lights, which include giving emergency vehicles the right of way

Speak with an Experienced Accident Attorney

Intersection accidents are one of the deadliest types of vehicle collisions in which a person can be involved. If you or a loved one is injured in an intersection accident, you should not hesitate to speak with a knowledgeable attorney. Contact an experienced attorney at West Law Office today to schedule a free initial consultation.

(image courtesy of Frak Lopez)