4 tips to avoid collision at South Carolina intersections

Throughout South Carolina, there are several kinds of crossroads. Some are secure because of stop signs or traffic lights. Others are completely unsecure, such as a Y-intersection in a remote, rural area not marked by any signs. Whether you’re traveling in a high-traffic area in a busy town or taking a road trip on a country road, there are several things to keep in mind if you hope to avoid a collision.

There’s a risk of collision at an intersection whether you’re traveling by motor vehicle, riding a bicycle or walking. The more cautious and alert you are, the less likely to hit someone you’ll be. However, there isn’t anything you can do about another driver’s behavior at the wheel, which is why it’s important to know where to seek support if an accident occurs.

Tip number 1 to avoid collision at an intersection is to drive defensively

You might have a green light or the right-of-way at a stop sign when approaching a South Carolina intersection. However, just because you can do something, doesn’t mean you should. When safety is a top priority, it’s always best to proceed with caution and to drive defensively. Rather than assuming it’s safe to enter a crossroad, assume, instead, that someone might step onto the road, fail to yield the right-of-way or drive straight through a red light.

Being mindful of these possibilities will help you drive defensively, which, in turn, reduces the chances of collision at an intersection. Also, if the traffic light turns yellow as you’re approaching, the defensive response is to slow down rather than speed up to try to beat the red light.

Cover the brake as you cross through an intersection

Lifting your foot off the gas pedal and covering the brake pedal improves safety at intersections. With your foot over the brake, you can quickly come to a stop if necessary. If you keep your foot on the gas, you might not have enough time or space to come to a full stop if another driver fails to stop or yield.

Do not proceed without full visibility

Numerous objects, such as parked cars, lamp posts, tree limbs, garbage receptacles or large trucks, may obstruct your visibility at an intersection. It is always safer to stop and wait until you have full visibility in all directions than to assume it’s safe to proceed, then wind up suffering severe injuries when a collision occurs.

Don’t take turn signals for granted

Just because a driver has engaged a left or right turn signal, doesn’t mean that he or she is going to proceed in that direction. A driver might signal left but turn right or go straight. To be safe, always pause until you see the other vehicle beginning its turn, so you know for sure which way the vehicle is going.

These four tips can help improve safety at a South Carolina intersection. However, if another driver’s negligence or reckless behavior causes a collision, the top priority is to seek medical attention. Insurance agents, counselors and legal advocates are also good assets to have on hand in the aftermath of a car accident.