Posted in Pedestrian Accident,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on April 22, 2016
Mayor Megan Barry Announces Program to Improve Intersection Safety
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry announced on Wednesday that the city will begin working to make intersections throughout Nashville safer for drivers, pedestrians, bus passengers, and bicyclists.
According to a report by WKRN.com, Barry made the announcement alongside the director of the Metro Public Works department and a city council member.
In her speech, Barry told attendees that making intersections safer will help the city “reclaim our streets as public spaces that connect communities and connect our citizens with the places they need to go.”
The program to improve safety at the intersections includes a plan to design and install new safety features, including medians, sidewalks and crosswalks, ADA-compliant ramps, traffic signal upgrades, and a restriping project of all bike lanes to make cyclists safer.
A primary location where safety improvements will take place is Neely’s Bend Road and Cheyenne Boulevard. Around 10,000 vehicles travel through that intersection each month and 8,000 residents use the MTA bus No. 76 which passes through the area each month as well.
More than one dozen additional intersections in the city will also receive special attention and safety/mobility-focused improvements when the program gets underway throughout Nashville.
3 Under-the-Radar Tips for Staying Safe at Intersections
Intersections are where many accidents occur on roadways. Although most intersections are divided and controlled via traffic lights and stop signs, they still represent a natural crossing point for traffic that’s traveling in different directions. That means when someone makes a mistake and runs a red light, enters an intersection when it’s not their turn, or is driving while distracted, serious accidents can occur.
Although stopping at stop signs and red lights is common knowledge, there are certain lesser-known keys to staying safe at intersections that can be helpful to re-learn and refresh in your memory from time to time, such as:
Whether you’re driving late at night or in an area where power was lost, you may come upon an intersection where the lights are flashing. It’s important to know what to do when facing this scenario to stay safe. If the lights facing you are flashing yellow, treat the intersection as if there’s a yield sign and proceed with caution. If the lights are flashing red, treat the intersection as if there’s a stop sign and wait for an opening or the right of way before crossing the street.
Driving near a police car, ambulance, fire truck, or rescue vehicle when its lights are flashing and its siren is on can be a stressful experience. If you’re at an intersection and an emergency vehicle is approaching the intersection or driving through it, always yield the right of way. If the emergency vehicle is approaching from behind, do your best to move out of the way if you’re blocking its path.
Roundabouts are becoming more and more common in Middle Tennessee due to their ability to maintain a smooth flow of traffic without the use of traffic lights. The next time you approach a roundabout, remember that the vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way. That means you should wait for an opening before entering. Once you’re inside the roundabout, you have the right of way against all vehicles that are waiting to enter.
Although car accidents can occur anywhere on the roadway, at Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville car accident lawyers know that intersections can be more dangerous and likely to be the site of car accidents than other areas—especially when drivers encounter situations that are unfamiliar. By being knowledgeable of all types of intersections and aware of the right steps to take when you approach them, you can help significantly reduce your risk of being involved in a car or truck accident.
Following the safety tips above is a great way to stay safe, but not all drivers exhibit the same dedication to safe driving habits. If you or someone you love was hurt in an auto accident at an intersection that was caused by a careless driver, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle repair costs.
Our legal team has 20 years of experience fighting for the rights of injured victims, and we’re ready to go to work for your family today. Dial (615) 200-1111 or complete a free online consultation form to find out how we can help.
