Why are there so many accidents at Mission Viejo intersections? Why do intersection accidents often result in serious injuries?
The US Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration refers to intersections as “planned points of contact.” Planned points of contact are where vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists pass through an intersection. They are usually designed to provide good visibility and are often controlled by traffic devices such as a stop light or sign.
Recent advances in technology and designed safety in today’s motor vehicles has helped to significantly reduce the likelihood of serious injury in a head-on or rear-end collision. Some vehicles provide advanced safety features such as side-curtains but most vehicles provide far less protection from a side impact. The forces associated with a side-impact accident at an intersection cause the human body to quickly snap back and forth, left and right in fractions of a second. This causes severe stress on the neck and back and often results in head injury.
Injuries in these accidents are often more serious including closed head trauma and traumatic brain injury, broken bones and fractures as well as serious neck and back injuries which can result in a permanent loss in the range of motion of a limb or even paralysis.
National authorities as well as California officials are working to understand why there are so many accidents at Mission Viejo intersections and at intersections throughout the state. They continuously strive to improve the design of intersections, while reducing associated speeds and more carefully monitoring and control the flow of vehicles in our intersections. Newer designs provide special consideration and separate lanes for bicycle traffic and to make it easier to see and avoid pedestrian injury.
Why are there so many accidents at Mission Viejo intersections? Distraction, speed and failure to anticipate the action of other drivers. How can you reduce the odds of becoming injured in an intersection accident? Slow down as you approach any intersection. Watch for and anticipate unexpected actions from other drivers who might turn into your path while approaching from a different direction. Eliminate all distractions in your own vehicle, especially cell phone use and other issues which might take your eyes off the road as you approach any intersection.
If you are injured in a car accident in Mission Viejo we invite you to review the recommendations of our clients and the legal industry and contact us or call 949-305-1400 for a free consultation. There is no cost to you out of pocket as we work on a contingency fee basis.
