Drive Defensively

The Federal Highway Administration estimates that collisions at intersections cause over 50% of serious injuries or fatalities from auto accidents.

The number and variety of intersections on any drive is high. Stay alert and never assume that the other driver is going to stop.

Key Practices

• If your light has been green for some time, be prepared for it to change.

• If your light is red, keep scanning to look for cross traffic that may run a changing light in their direction.

• When your light turns green make sure cross traffic stops before you proceed into the intersection.

• Keep your eyes moving as you approach an intersection and take in the whole picture.

• Don’t just focus on cars or trucks. Look for bikes, motorcycles, and pedestrians as well.

• Look and listen for emergency vehicles that may be approaching the intersection from another direction.

Key Facts

• Approximately 33% of intersection accidents occur from running red lights.

• Left turns account for another high percentage of accidents.

• Hazards at intersections include:

  • Regulated by lights or signs

  • Pedestrian crossings

  • Unregulated entries, like driveways

  • Railroad crossings

• The vehicle that is second or third in line is the most likely to be hit by a vehicle running a red light from the other direction.

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