Posted in Car Accident,Negligence,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on August 28, 2015
Putman County Intersection Sees Two Wrecks in the Same Day
A busy intersection on Highway 111 in Putnam County, Tennessee, was the site of two car accidents that occurred within hours of each other on Tuesday.
According to a report by the Herald-Citizen, the first accident occurred last Tuesday morning when a 30-year-old man crashed his car into a commercial vehicle at the intersection in Algood, Tennessee, north of Quinland Lake Road. When police arrived at the scene, they noticed that the driver of the car displayed red watery eyes and smelled of alcohol. The man failed a field sobriety test at the scene of the accident and was arrested for DUI.
The second accident occurred just before 2 p.m. Tuesday when a Crown Victoria collided with a Nissan Juke. The report states that the driver of the Crown Victoria failed to stop in time when approaching the Nissan Juke and collided with its left rear bumper, causing both vehicles to sustain damage.
Because the intersection has been the site of many crashes—some fatal—in recent years, the Tennessee Department of Transportation installed safety measures like red lights and additional traffic lanes to help make the intersection safer for drivers.
Safety Tips for Driving Through Dangerous Intersections
Chances are, you drive through one or two dangerous intersections on your daily commute. Whether they’re dangerous due to limited visibility, confusing lane changes, narrow lanes, or worn out asphalt, these intersections are often the sight of minor to serious accidents on a monthly or even weekly basis. If you can’t avoid these areas during your commute, do your best to follow these tips to stay as safe as possible:
Whether it’s a roundabout or a four-way stop, always give the other driver the right of way if you’re unsure whose turn it is to go next. Roundabouts can be particularly dangerous for drivers who are unfamiliar with them, as they may believe they have the right of way to enter at any time. Stay cautious at these intersections and at four-way stops where accidents frequently occur. Sometimes obeying all of the rules of the road isn’t enough to stay safe, as other drivers may be unaware or uncaring of traffic laws.
Many intersections are dangerous due to limited visibility for drivers who are trying to enter the roadway from side streets. In some cases, drivers will accelerate into the roadway without having a clear view of oncoming traffic. If you’re driving through a dangerous intersection, stay alert and watch for vehicles entering the roadway from side streets. Driving slowly and cautiously can make it much easier for you to stop or avoid those vehicles.
When you’re stopped at a traffic light, your first instinct is to accelerate right away when you get a green light. However, immediately entering the intersection can put you at risk of being struck by a driver at the cross street who is trying to beat the red light. Always countdown three seconds after you get the green light before entering the intersection.
The Cookeville car accident attorneys at Matt Hardin Law know that auto accidents can occur anywhere and at any time, but statistically, intersections are one of the most dangerous places for drivers and passengers. That’s why it’s so important for all drivers to remain alert and cautious when driving through or entering intersections—especially those that are known to be the locations of frequent accidents.
If you or someone you love was injured in a car accident at an intersection or any other location on the roads in Middle Tennessee, our law firm wants to help you get the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and more. To get in touch with us, just dial (931) 754-1188 or fill out a free online consultation form. We’re here to fight for your rights to get the money you deserve.
