Are Most People Aware of Dangerous Intersections When They See Them?

Intersections are where the flow of traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists meet—and often where the highest number of crashes occur. In nearly every city, there are intersections that locals know to avoid or approach with extra caution. But the question remains: are most people aware of dangerous intersections when they see them?

This article explores how drivers perceive intersection risks, the factors that make some crossroads more dangerous than others, and what can be done to increase awareness and safety.

Why Intersections Are Inherently Risky

Unlike straight stretches of road, intersections force drivers to make multiple simultaneous decisions—when to stop, when to yield, whether to accelerate, and how to avoid oncoming traffic. Add pedestrians, cyclists, and traffic signals to the mix, and the margin for error narrows.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, over 50% of serious accidents happen at or near intersections. This makes them one of the most dangerous points in the transportation network.

What Makes an Intersection Dangerous?

Not all intersections are created equal. Some seem perfectly safe at first glance but conceal hidden hazards. Others are visibly chaotic, making drivers tense as soon as they approach.

Key factors that contribute to dangerous intersections include:

• High traffic volume – The more vehicles, the greater the chance of conflict points.

• Poor visibility – Buildings, trees, or parked cars can block sightlines.

• Complicated design – Multiple lanes, odd angles, or confusing signage increase driver hesitation.

• Frequent speeding – Wide roads or downhill approaches encourage drivers to go too fast.

• Pedestrian and cyclist traffic – Intersections near schools, parks, or commercial centers introduce added risks.

Some intersections combine several of these elements, making crashes almost inevitable unless countermeasures are introduced.

Do Drivers Recognize Dangerous Intersections?

Locals vs. Visitors

Local residents often know which intersections in their city are risky. They may instinctively slow down, avoid certain turns, or even reroute to stay safe. Visitors, on the other hand, lack that insider knowledge. This gap in awareness is why many accidents involve out-of-town drivers unfamiliar with the area.

The Role of Experience

Experienced drivers may notice red flags—like poor sightlines or heavy cross-traffic—before entering an intersection. New drivers, however, may only learn through trial and error. Unfortunately, that learning curve sometimes comes with collisions or near-misses.

Perception vs. Reality

Interestingly, research shows that drivers often overestimate their awareness of risk. They may assume they can spot a dangerous intersection on sight, but many hazards are invisible until too late. For example, a seemingly quiet suburban intersection could hide a history of rear-end crashes due to short yellow light times.

Why People Miss the Warning Signs

Even at obviously risky intersections, not everyone recognizes the danger. Here’s why:

1. Distraction – Smartphones, navigation systems, or in-car entertainment pull attention away.

2. Overconfidence – Experienced drivers may believe they can handle any situation.

3. Unfamiliarity – Out-of-town drivers are focused on directions, not subtle traffic cues.

4. Lack of data – Drivers don’t have access to historical crash statistics while on the road.

The reality is that danger isn’t always intuitive. An intersection’s risk may come from design flaws invisible to the naked eye.

The Psychology of Risk Awareness

Humans are wired to notice obvious threats—like another car running a red light—but not gradual or systemic risks. This is why many people fail to identify dangerous intersections until after they’ve experienced or witnessed a crash.

Studies in traffic psychology show that familiarity reduces perceived danger. If a driver passes through a hazardous intersection daily without incident, they may stop seeing it as risky, even if crash data says otherwise.

Technology and Data: Making Hidden Dangers Visible

Thanks to advances in mapping, analytics, and crowdsourcing, drivers no longer have to rely solely on personal experience to recognize danger. Tools like dangerous intersection maps, crash heat maps, and navigation apps with safety alerts are bridging the awareness gap.

Websites such as BadIntersections.com and municipal open-data portals publish crash statistics, giving residents insight into where accidents frequently occur. Some navigation systems are beginning to integrate this data, warning drivers as they approach historically hazardous spots.

Case Studies: Famous Dangerous Intersections

• Times Square, New York City – Once notorious for pedestrian accidents, redesign efforts with pedestrian plazas drastically reduced collisions.

• Hollywood & Highland, Los Angeles – Heavy tourist foot traffic and complex signals made this intersection risky until crossing improvements were introduced.

• Lake Shore Drive & Belmont, Chicago – Known for sudden merges and high speeds, local drivers often approach with extreme caution.

These examples highlight that while some intersections "look" dangerous, others only reveal their risk through accident history and data.

Improving Awareness

Public Education

Cities can run awareness campaigns, highlighting high-risk intersections through local media or social channels.

Better Signage

Warning signs before difficult intersections remind drivers to slow down or prepare for unusual conditions.

Technology Integration

Navigation apps that provide “danger alerts” could dramatically reduce accidents by warning unfamiliar drivers before they reach a problem area.

Community Reporting

Crowdsourced platforms allow residents to share experiences, helping others avoid the same hazards.

What Drivers Can Do

Drivers who want to protect themselves should adopt a proactive mindset:

1. Research before driving – Check online maps of crash-prone intersections.

2. Stay alert at all crossings – Assume intersections are higher-risk zones.

3. Follow defensive driving techniques – Look left, right, and left again before entering.

4. Reduce speed – Approaching more slowly buys extra reaction time.

Awareness is the first step toward avoiding collisions, but behavior change is equally important.

The Bottom Line

So, are most people aware of dangerous intersections when they see them? The answer is: partly. While locals may recognize some obvious trouble spots, many hazards are hidden from view and only revealed through data. Out-of-town drivers and distracted commuters are especially vulnerable.

Increasing awareness through technology, public education, and community reporting can help bridge the gap. Until then, every driver should treat intersections with caution—because even the safest-looking crossroads may hold hidden dangers.

How to Use Streetmix to Design Safer Intersections

Streetmix is a powerful online tool that allows anyone—from city planners to concerned residents—to create street cross-section diagrams. It’s especially useful when advocating for improvements at dangerous intersections where pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers face safety risks. With Streetmix, you can visualize traffic-calming strategies like narrower lanes, protected bike paths, raised crosswalks, and median islands—all from your browser. 

How to Anticipate a Dangerous Intersection and What to Do

Intersections are where most serious traffic conflicts happen. According to the Federal Highway Administration, over 50% of injury crashes and roughly 25% of all traffic fatalities occur at intersections. While many are routine, others are deceptively dangerous — especially if you're unfamiliar with the area.

What Happens if You Crash with a Waymo Driverless Car

The Rise of Driverless Cars and Waymo

How One Town Transformed Traffic Flow Without Adding New Lanes

Highway congestion is a familiar frustration for commuters and travelers alike. Often, the knee-jerk solution is to widen roads, adding more lanes to accommodate increasing traffic. However, this approach can be costly, time-consuming, and, paradoxically, sometimes exacerbates traffic issues. A lesser-known but highly effective strategy involves rethinking the management of traffic signals. One town's innovative approach to optimizing traffic lights offers a compelling case study on improving traffic flow without expanding the road.

How to Fix America's Worst Streets: Transforming Dangerous Suburban Arterial Roads

Suburban arterial roads, often referred to as "stroads," are notorious for being some of the most hazardous in urban networks. These roads are a hybrid of streets and roads, designed to accommodate fast-moving vehicles while also serving as commercial and residential areas. This dual purpose makes them perilous for pedestrians and cyclists, who often have limited facilities. However, with the right strategies, these dangerous streets can be transformed into safe, efficient, and livable spaces.

Enhancing Intersection Visibility Safety: Blind Spots & Pedestrian Participation

Intersection visibility safety is paramount in traffic management, ensuring the safety of drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. However, the presence of buildings, bushes, and other obstructive elements can pose significant challenges to visibility, increasing the risk of accidents. In this article, we delve into the importance of intersection visibility, the obstacles presented by obstructive elements, and strategies to mitigate risks effectively. Additionally, we explore how pedestrian participation, particularly through the use of reflective clothing at night and avoiding headphone use, can contribute to enhanced safety.

The Impact of Mobile Texting on Pedestrians and Road Safety

In our increasingly connected world, mobile technology has transformed the way we communicate and interact with each other. One of the most significant shifts brought about by this technological revolution is the widespread use of text messaging. While texting has undoubtedly enhanced communication and convenience, its impact on road safety, particularly for pedestrians and drivers, has been a subject of growing concern.

Understanding Intersections: What Constitutes an Intersection

Intersections are the backbone of our road networks, facilitating the smooth flow of traffic and ensuring that pedestrians can safely cross from one side to the other. Whether you're an experienced driver or a pedestrian navigating city streets, it's crucial to understand what constitutes an intersection and how these junctions operate. In this article, we'll explore the concept of intersections, their types, and their significance in transportation.

What Is Considered an Intersection?

Can You Report Dangerous Driving?

If you witness a dangerous driving incident on the road, you should take the following steps:

What Are the Deadliest Types of Intersections: A Road Safety Analysis

Intersections are the crossroads where various streams of traffic converge, making them potential hotspots for accidents. Understanding the deadliest types of intersections is essential for drivers and authorities to implement proactive measures and reduce road fatalities.  We explore some of the most perilous types of intersections, the contributing factors to their danger, and practical tips to navigate them safely.

Navigating the Roads Safely: Identifying Dangerous Intersections Near You

In today's fast-paced world, the roads can be a perilous place. Each day, millions of commuters face various hazards, with intersections often being the epicenters of potential accidents. Understanding the risks and taking preventive measures is crucial for ensuring road safety.  We'll shed light on identifying and dealing with dangerous intersections near you to protect yourself and others on the road.

Most Dangerous Intersections in America

Factors That Create Dangerous Intersections

How To Drive Through A Blind Intersections & Speed Limits

Determining speed limits at blind intersections involves a combination of factors and considerations. While specific methodologies can vary between jurisdictions, here are some general factors that may influence the determination of speed limits at blind intersections:

15 Tips on How to Safely Drive Through Dangerous Intersections

The very idea of multiple vehicles going in separate directions is dangerous when you think about it, but converging at a single point might be something you would arrange to happen if you were to cause an accident deliberately! 

Here are some fast tips to negotiate intersections, prevent collisions, and reach your destination safely.  But what can you do at intersections to improve safety? 

1. DO NOT drive aggressively. A risky strategy is to accelerate to "create" a red light. A yellow signal means planning to brake; you can stop or slow down to a stop by the time the signal is red. 
2. Distracted driving. In almost all nations, talking on the phone and texting are obvious distractions and are illegal. But there are also other forms of distracted driving, such as shaving, applying makeup, or looking at a map, that may lead to an accident.  Searching for an address can also lead to the inattention and distraction of drivers. So set your GPS or find directions on a site you want, before leaving for your destination. Go to the street level view, if you use Google maps, so you have an idea of what your destination building looks like.
3. Control the speed. Speeding is one of the significant contributing factors to accidents, especially those occurring at intersections or at intersections that enter or exit. 
4. Maintain a car. The malfunctioning of warning lights (turn signals, brakes, headlights, etc.) makes predicting your actions difficult for other motorists. 
5. Boost your degree of vigilance. Display extra caution during congested traffic periods, such as rush hours, building zones, and accident scenes while passing. 
6. Learn patience. Impatience raises feelings and focus decreases. 
7. Do not drive with impaired control. A simple "do not do" is to drive after drinking or taking medication (illicit or prescription). Insufficient sleep may also affect drivers, often as great as drinking and driving.
8. Do not drive and eat. When you take your hands off the wheel and your eyes off the road, tempting as it may be to whip through a drive-through and pick up a burger and shake, eating while driving proves risky. 
9. Never run a red light. This bears repeating: The outcome of someone running a red light is almost one in eight intersection collisions. 
10. Wear your seatbelt still. Insist that everyone else buckles up in your car too. In child safety seats suitable to their age and height, children need to be in the back seat. 
11. Stow the electronic devices away. If they are securely stored out of reach, you would not be tempted to lunge for your cellphone or tablet. 
12. Assess your own driving ability. Do a self-assessment of your driving abilities and behaviors, and ask others too, then think about how you might change. 
13. Take an assessment course for a defensive driver. These classes are offered by several cultures and the American. 
14. Driving is not a competition. Your aim is to get from point A to point B safely and without an accident while you are driving. 
15. For other drivers, be courteous. The Golden Rule is it!

The first measure to improve intersection safety is driver etiquette. But at an intersection, who has the right-of-way? The reply is, it depends!

Emergency vehicles will have the first right-of-way, of course. Remain stopped and still until the intersection area is completely cleared by the emergency vehicle. Check before you travel to make sure all emergency vehicles do not obey the first one. 

The right-of-way still refers to pedestrians. Even if a pedestrian is crossing illegally (jaywalking), the right-of-way must still always be granted. 

The right-of-way is still open for unrestricted traffic flow. The unrestricted flow of traffic has the right-of-way at an intersection controlled only by a stop sign at one of the cross-streets. 

At intersections controlled by stop signs at all crossroads, the vehicle that enters the intersection first and stops first always has the right-of-way. You can return to the car on your right if vehicles arrive at the intersection at about the same moment. For vehicles going straight ahead, vehicles turning left should always yield.

Make sure that when you pass different traffic signals and controls, you know exactly what to do. 

If heavy traffic on the highway demands a halt, yield signs do not mean "halt". Yield means slowly and deliberately merging with traffic going in the same direction you are going in and giving the right-of-way, if possible, to vehicles approaching or already at the intersection. 

Traffic lights come in various colors and kinds. In each direction, the completely controlled traffic light has a red, yellow, and green light that regulates the traffic flow. A green light means continuing with responsible caution; yellow signals at the intersection to brace for a transition, most frequently followed by a red light, which means stopping, of course.

Yellow signals are not an invitation to cars to "beat" the red light by accelerating into the intersection. To avoid breaking the subsequent red light and, at the same time, to prevent having to pause in the middle of the intersection, use good judgment. 

You will sometimes experience flashing lights: Flashing amber lights warn the driver to approach and proceed through an intersection with caution. Blinking red lights require that motorists stop at the intersection before proceeding through.

Before continuing, unmarked intersections that have no control lights or signage should be considered as full stops in both directions. 

Planning ahead will stop the rush, reduce traffic tension, and help make sure you get where you go on time. 

Rushing to make an appointment is a recipe for an accident because of bad preparation. Because you are in that rush, running a red light is asking for an accident! Plan ahead, expect delays in traffic and leave for your destination early. 

Before leaving for your ride, listen to the traffic forecasts. In order to maneuver around traffic snarls and incidents that can clog your expected path, consider alternative travel routes.

Ignore distractions that interfere with your safe driving ability. Significant cognitive resources are required for driving. To keep you going safely down the lane, your brain uses visual signals, audio signals, and elevated thought processing. Driving a car does not mix well with distractions such as talking on a mobile phone, emailing, shaving, eating, putting on makeup, reading a newspaper, or any of the many other things that drivers frequently attempt to mix with the driving job. 

Drive defensively before they arise, anticipating challenging circumstances and issues. When approaching an intersection, think about what other drivers might do, particularly when you change your own direction to reach the intersection. 

When you approach or exit an intersection, do not change lanes. And always surrender to other traffic when making a U-turn on the highway at an intersection or elsewhere.

Everything You Need to Know to Stay Safe While Driving on Dangerous Roads

Everything You Need to Know to Stay Safe Whilst Driving on Dangerous Roads Being a new driver on the road can be really scary for any driver that has only recently passed their test. You certainly have to endure some daunting moments when you’re a newbie on the road, but there is nothing quite as intimidating as the first time you drive on the dreaded motorway. The rules of the motorway work a bit differently to the standard rules of road, and if you don’t know exactly what you’re doing, you could end up endangering yourself and other drivers around you. That’s why we’ve provided a short list of things that all motorway novices need to be aware of to ensure that your experience driving on the motorway is safe and stress-free.

Be Well Prepared

Possibly the worst mistake you could make in your first time driving on the motorway is failing to sufficiently prepare for your journey. Before you set off, you should be aware of which junctions you will be joining and leaving the motorway at. This way, you’ll always have something to look for while you’re driving, even if you don’t know exactly where you are or how far away you are from your destination. Relying on a sat-nav is not always the most reliable mode of direction, so having a good idea of where you need to go is always important. Also, you’ll want to ensure that your car is fully ready for the task of driving on the motorway before you set off. It would be wise to have a quick check of your car’s tire pressures, oil levels and the performance of the brakes to give yourself some extra piece of mind and relieve your mind of some of the stress that comes with driving on the motorway. You may also want to fill up your car with enough petrol to prevent you from having top stop midway through your journey to fill up.

Driving Safely

If you don’t know how to safely drive on the motorway, there’s a much bigger chance of you endangering both yourself and other drivers. Whatever lane you find yourself in, you should never drive too fast or too slowly. Driving too fast makes it harder to brake and increases the chances of a speed-related accident, while driving too slowly increases the chances of other drivers colliding with you from behind. There are three lanes of traffic on a motorway; both the middle lane and the right-hand lane are designed for overtaking, with the left-hand lane designed purely for normal driving. Overtaking in the left-hand lane, also known as undertaking, is dangerous and is something that you should never do when driving on the motorway. This is because drivers in the middle lane are always advised to move to left-hand lane when possible, but this cannot be done when there is somebody overtaking in the left-hand lane.

Problems of this nature often occur to drivers of heavy goods vehicles, especially as their surrounding vision is not usually as good as it is for normal drivers. This is one of many reasons why lorry drivers need lorry insurance; motorway accidents occur at an alarming rate, and this can often be as a result of unsafe driving.

Avoid Distractions

When driving for long distances at a relatively constant speed, it is quite easy to become distracted. Unfortunately, this is not only extremely dangerous when driving on a motorway, it is worryingly common too. Tiredness is a regular distraction that often impairs people’s driving ability on the motorway, and is the cause of many road accidents. It is never a good idea to drive at high speeds while you are tired, and you should avoid doing this at all costs.

Other common distractions that tend to affect motorway drivers can also be whatever is inside your vehicle. When cruising at a high speed, it can be tempting to become distracted by your mobile phone or any other device in your car. However, when you’re moving at high speeds, it only takes one distraction to take away your concentration for a few seconds, which is often all that it takes to cause a harmful collision. When accidents do occur on the motorway, you shouldn’t rubberneck by driving slower in order to see the crash for yourself. This can not only cause another traffic accident, but it can increase congestion greatly.

Once you get the hang of driving on the motorway, you should not feel intimidated by the prospect of it. Motorway driving can be done in a safe, efficient manner, and although it may seem daunting at first, it should become pretty easy for you once you have done it a few times. As long as you are well-prepared, committed to driving safely and fully undistracted, you’ll be able to have a stress-free motorway experience. For even more beneficial driving advice and news, take a look at this article here.

10 Essential Pieces of Equipment for Your Garage

We all want to stay safe on the roads, and one of the best ways to ensure this is by driving around in a well-maintained car. But who wants to take their motor to their local mechanic every time they sense the slightest niggle? The answer is ‘not many people’.

So how can you come up with a solution that keeps you safe without spending all of your cash on it? A cleverly equipped garage could offer you the answer you’ve been seeking, so here are 10 essential pieces of equipment if you want to give yours an upgrade… 

#1: A Workbench

The right workbench is often considered to be the most essential part of a garage outside of the walls and roof themselves. The place where the majority of your mending, repairs, replacements, and upgrades will take place, it will help you to keep everything organized and your tools within easy reach.

#2: Lots of Light

Dimly lit garages are the worst, as everyone who has ever tried to work around the shadows will know. Get some good lighting installed to chase away the darkness and illuminate your projects, leaving no danger of mistakes going unnoticed.   

#3: A Fire Extinguisher

We’re sure you’re tired of people harping on about health and safety, but a fire extinguisher is another essential. At the end of the day, you’re in an enclosed space with an explosive liquid (fuel), a powerful electrical energy source (your car battery), and plenty of flammable materials in the form of rags. Is it really worth taking the risk?

#4: A First-Aid Kit

Also on that note, be sure to stock a first aid kit. Although you might be just fine sucking on your skinned knuckles, burns, and bigger injuries will be much better served by bandages, antiseptic wipes, or the instant application of a cold pack. 

#5: A Bench Vise

Now back to the exciting stuff – tools – and a bench vise just has to be on this list. Whether you need to hold something in place or apply a significant amount of force, it’s perfectly suited to plenty of tasks. 

#6: Torque Wrench

Need to perform a precision job when it comes to tightening up those nuts and bolts? Then a torque wrench is your new best friend. Buy yours today.

#7: Air Compressor

A the good air compressor will make so many things easier for you. Whether you want to inflate tires or blow-clean and –dry parts, you’ll be so very glad that you bought one.  

#8: Jack Stands

Most of the important stuff on a car is underneath, so make it easier for yourself to lift it up with a good solid jack stand. This is one investment you won’t regret.

#9: A Laptop and Wi-Fi

Why would you need one of these in your garage? The answer is simple: if ever you want to watch a repair video offering advice that just isn’t in the manual, it will let you watch it as you work so that you don’t lose track of what you’re doing whilst running backward and forwards between your house and garage.

#10: Storage

Last but most certainly not least, get your hands on some good quality storage, like one of these tool chests from SGS. Perfect for keeping the colossal amount of equipment you’ll amass neatly organized and easy to find, it will prove invaluable if ever you want to locate something at a glance.   

What do you need to add to your garage? 

How to Choose a Truly Safe Car: Four Things to Look Out For

We would all like to stay safe on the roads, even those of us prone to the odd boy racer moment, so when we’re looking for a vehicle to buy, one of the first things we should assess is its safety credentials. This applies to every make and model; whether you’re buying new from a top-of-the-range showroom in London or looking for a bog-standard used car in Nottingham, the rules are still the same.

So what, exactly, should you be keeping an eye out for? Here are four essentials that you must always check are present…

#1: Strong Frontal Crash Test Results

The most common type of collision is a head-on one, and this means that good frontal crash test results are essential. There is absolutely no need for you to leave your safety to chance, for this information has been fully compiled for you in advance of the vehicle ever being released, and the outcomes can be easily found online for anyone who wants to take a look at them. Remember, the higher the score, the less likely you are to be seriously injured or killed in an accident. 

#2: Side Crashworthiness

Side-on collisions are the second most common type of accident, and the most likely to be fatal, which is why any vehicle you choose should also have good side-on crash test results, plus side airbags to protect you from head injuries. Pick one of the models ranked as ‘good’ in these trials, and you’re 70 percent less likely to die in such a crash than you would be in a vehicle rated as ‘poor’.  

#3: A Strong Roof

You also ought to keep an eye out for cars that have been rated highly with regards to the strength of their roofs. The reason for this is simple: you want a vehicle that will hold up in the event of a rollover crash. This type of rating is only available for models released after 2008, but even with older cars, you can probably gain some idea of how they would rank by doing a little bit of research online.

#4: Head Restraints

Additionally, you really should pick a model that is noted to have a ‘good’ seat/head restraint score, as this will significantly lessen the likelihood of a whiplash injuries if your car is hit from behind. Those who own vehicles with such a rating is shown to be 15 percent less likely to make an insurance claim for neck injuries, which says all that needs to be said.  

Stay safe on the roads today: follow our four top tips above to reduce your risks, and lessen the likelihood of you being injured in an accident.

Dangerous Railroad Crossing With No Warning or Crossing Arms

Railroad & Road Intersection with no Crossing Arms

A dangerous intersection that has been the scene of several deaths in southwest Arkansas will finally see safety features added.  It only costs $350,000 to add a warning.  Why does it cost so much?  

A railroad crossing without any warning signs or crossing arms can pose a significant safety hazard. It is essential to have proper warning signals in place to alert drivers and pedestrians about the presence of a railroad track to prevent accidents and ensure their safety. If you encounter such a situation, it is important to take extra precautions and follow these guidelines:

Slow down and be prepared to stop: Approach the railroad crossing with caution, reduce your speed, and be ready to stop if you see or hear a train approaching.

Look for other signs: Even if there are no official warning signs or crossing arms, there might be other indicators such as a stop sign, yield sign, or painted markings on the road. Pay attention to any such cues that could warn you about the presence of a railroad track.

Listen for train sounds: Keep your windows down and listen for the sound of an approaching train. Trains make a distinct noise that can be heard from a distance. If you hear a train, exercise extreme caution and wait for it to pass before proceeding.

Look both ways: Before crossing the railroad tracks, look both ways along the track to ensure no trains are coming from either direction. Trains can approach from any direction, so it's crucial to check for any potential danger.

Be aware of train schedules: If you frequently travel across a particular railroad crossing, try to familiarize yourself with the train schedules. Knowing when trains are likely to pass through can help you plan your trips accordingly and avoid potential conflicts.

Report the issue: If you encounter a railroad crossing without proper warning signals or crossing arms, report it to the appropriate authorities. They can take the necessary steps to address the issue and enhance safety measures at that crossing.

Remember, it is crucial to exercise caution and prioritize safety when encountering a railroad crossing without warning signs or crossing arms.