From Marietta Square to the Cobb Parkway, Cobb County is full of intersections. Some of these intersections are typical; others are dangerous. Whether the intersection was built for less traffic than it currently carries or just has bad signage, a dangerous intersection can cause serious problems for the community.
In Cobb County, we hear about accidents daily. Some are fender benders that cost a fair amount of money, but some are more serious and can cause injury or fatality. If you are involved in an accident that results in an injury, you will need to call a Marietta personal injury attorney or a Marietta accident attorney. Before you find yourself in the midst of a personal injury lawsuit, increasing your knowledge about our roads may help you stay safe. The Transportation Research Board has found that intersections make up 40% of all accidents It is important to think about ways you can prepare to travel and avoid making danger worse in these intersections.
In the Transportation Research Board’s report, they recognize that in an intersection accident there is a “critical reason” for the crash. This refers to the immediate problem that causes the crash in the first place. The most common critical reason is a recognition error. This refers to crashes in which the driver is distracted either by internal or external factors, like noticing an animal in the road or being distracted by passengers. Driving takes all of your attention, and if we limit our distractions as drivers, we will likely lower the chance of getting into an accident. One large distraction that tends to plague drivers is a cell phone. There are many apps out there that will help you reduce the temptation to use your cell phone while in the car, some even mute all sounds and send out responses as busy. Another way to limit distractions is to be prepared to drive. Before driving it is possible to pick out the music or radio station you will listen to, look over any directions and make sure your mirrors are where they need to be. This may seem like a lot of work, but it will only take a few moments and will save you from being distracted when driving in dangerous circumstances.
The second most common critical reason for accidents at intersections is decision error. Decision error refers to accidents that occur from misjudging the speed or actions of another motorist, speeding, driving aggressively or misjudging the conditions of the road. Sometimes these accidents are unavoidable, but if we all take just a second more to rejudge, we may be able to avoid accidents more often. When making decisions in an intersection, it is important to be more cautious than at other times. Cars aren’t the only thing drivers need to judge in a split second. When traffic lights change, it is important to obey them. Speed can also be a factor in misjudgement, so follow posted speed limits.
The third most common critical reason is listed as “other driver attributed error” and 96.1% of accidents that take place in an intersection are found to be the fault of a driver. Since drivers are found at fault in the vast majority of accidents, we can prevent many more if we all take more caution. Whether it’s been a long day, or there are a ton of errands to run, it is imperative that all drivers do what is necessary to be as safe as possible.
When accidents are unavoidable, and they cause injuries, hire a Marietta personal injury lawyer. Call The Patterson Cozzo Law Firm at 770-422-8840.
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