Intersections need to be made safer?

Question

I got in my first car accident today at an intersection (nothing fatal, but enough to make my car undrivable). It was because I was trying to make a left turn and an old guy coming from the opposite direction hit me because he was going kind of fast and I misjudged, thinking I had enough time to complete the turn.

I read that a lot of accidents are EXACTLY like mine (making a left turn... the misjudge thinking they have time... and the cars collide). I feel that when you approach an intersection EVERYONE (including those with a green light) should slow down to at least 30mph. I know a lot of people won't do it, but I know I would.

Either that, or they need to do something about the left turns at intersections. What do you guys think?

Answer 1

You are correct that a lot of accidents happen at intersections but as to what can be done it is simple, people need to pay more attention to their driving and never assume, always expect the unexpected....

Look, Look and Look again....

Answer 2

I'm sorry to hear about your collision, but I'm glad that no one was hurt too bad.

That is a great suggestion about slowing down approaching an intersection. Unfortunately, it just would not work. Drivers tend to speed up so they can make it through a traffic light. We were never told this in any training and you found out the hard way - it is almost impossible to judge the speed of a vehicle approaching from near head on. Even in a 35 zone, we often fudge over by 5 or more mph and at 35, a vehicle is moving at over 50 ft/second. So, if we slow down, we get smashed from behind and if we speed up, we clobber someone trying to make a left. Pick your poison. Best option is to wait until you see that no vehicles are coming or until you've got a red light to block opposing traffic. This is why I am very fond of right turns, just like UPS.

All the best.  

Answer 3

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The rules have developed over the course of 100 years of motoring. Unfortunately, humans are not 'born to drive' and need to develop skills in order to avoid incidents such as yours.

Apportioning blame to the other person is the normal defense system that driver's resort to so that they don't have to examine their own actions too carefully.

The mature driver will reconsider the way they drive, become better, more alert and experienced as they hone their skills.

I think you should do the same.

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