Posted in Car Accident,Tennessee Accident Law on March 14, 2017
Antioch Is Home to Nashville’s Most Dangerous Intersection
A recent study found that the most dangerous intersection in the Nashville area is at the corner of Hickory Hollow Parkway and Mount View Road in Antioch.
Per a report by WKRN.com, the intersection has the highest crash rate and the highest injury rate of any intersection in the city given its traffic volume. The attorneys who conducted the survey say that anyone who is driving a car in Nashville is more likely to be involved in an accident at that intersection than any other intersection in the city.
They went on to say that drivers are unable to see the stop sign on Mount View Road from about 500 feet away due to trees and a rock wall. That means drivers have little time to react if a vehicle pulls out in front of them.
A plan was recently announced by Nashville Mayor Megan Barry to improve the safety and visibility of 15 intersections in the city, but this intersection didn’t make the cut. Reporters at WKRN contacted her office about the study and the intersection and are awaiting a response.
In addition to the dangers that drivers face this intersection, Antioch is also home to three other intersections that are among the five most dangerous in the city.
What Are Common Causes of Intersection Accidents?
A report by the National Highway Traffic Administration revealed that around 40 percent of all automobile accidents in the United States occur at intersections. When vehicles meet traveling opposite directions and turn in each other’s paths—even when traffic is controlled by signs and lights—accidents are prone to happen.
But what makes crashes more common at these areas than other areas of the road? A few of the most common causes include:
Whether a driver doesn’t look both ways before accelerating at a stop sign, or makes a left or right turn without checking for the presence of vehicles, an NHTSA study shows that around 44 percent of intersection accidents are caused by drivers not paying attention to their surroundings. Taking just a few seconds to scan the roadway and look both directions can help you avoid an accident.
It’s important to never assume anything about the movements or intentions of other drivers. The NHTSA says that nearly 10 percent of intersection crashes occur when drivers try to predict the behavior of other motorists, such as assuming that another vehicle will yield or turn, despite not having evidence to suggest those actions will occur.
Visibility of what’s in front of you is the most important thing to have when you’re entering an intersection. The NHTSA says that around eight percent of intersection accidents happen when drivers go through or into intersections after waiting near things that obstruct their view, including large vehicles, vans, and trucks. If your view is blocked, wait for it to clear before you enter the intersection.
Drivers who run red lights, turn right on red where prohibited, turn left on red, or make U-turns where prohibited cause around seven percent of intersection accidents. Illegal driving maneuvers are typically marked with signage at intersections, making it important for all drivers to keep an eye out for these signs.
While intersections are statistically more likely to be the scene of accidents than other locations on the roadway, it’s important to stay alert, avoid distractions, and obey all traffic laws regardless of where you’re driving. In addition, it’s also important to remember that flashing red lights mean you should come to a complete stop, while flashing yellow lights mean you should approach the intersection with caution. Finally, intersections equipped with traffic lights that have lost power should be treated like four-way stops.
Were you or someone you know hurt in a crash at an intersection that was caused by a negligent or careless driver? If so, the Nashville auto accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law want to speak with you. We have more than two decades of experience assisting injured victims and helping them recover compensation for their medical bills and lost wages. Dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form to speak with us today.
