Dangerous Orange County Intersections
If you’re in an accident, there’s a good chance it was in an intersection. Anywhere on the street with conflicts is a likely spot for a vehicle crash. Drivers want to go in different directions.
They may be impatient or inattentive. Bad weather and low visibility may add to the mix. We must be extra careful at intersections, but we’re not always good at being extra careful.
Whether you’re injured in a vehicle crash at an intersection or elsewhere, Orange County car accident lawyer Aaron Hicks helps people like you.
Call 949-541-9944 or complete our online contact form to learn more about your legal rights to compensation, how we can help, and what you should do next.
Intersections Can be Hazardous
More than a quarter of traffic fatalities in 2021 occurred at intersections, according to the federal Department of Transportation (DOT). They report that of 38,824 traffic fatalities across the US in 2020, 10,626 occurred at intersections, with 7,089 of them where there were no yield or stop signs and 3,537 at intersections with signals.
Why are Intersections Dangerous?
Intersections can be dangerous because of several issues that increase the risk of crashes. Here are some:
- Crossing paths: Intersections can involve multiple roads crossing each other, leading to different traffic streams coming from various directions. This increases the likelihood of vehicles crossing paths, which can result in collisions if drivers fail to yield the right of way
- Complex traffic patterns: Intersections often have complex traffic signal systems and stop or yield signs requiring drivers to make quick decisions. Failing to pay attention, misjudgments, or errors in obeying signals can lead to accidents
- Turning conflicts: Left, right, and U-turns at intersections create potential vehicle conflicts. Drivers making turns may have to navigate through oncoming traffic, increasing the chances of collisions
- Pedestrian crossings: Intersections are common locations for pedestrian crossings. The interaction between vehicles and pedestrians adds another layer of complexity and risk because drivers must be attentive to other vehicles and people on foot
- Speed variability: Vehicles approaching an intersection may travel at different speeds, especially if a highway exit ramp is involved. High-speed intersection collisions can cause more severe and potentially fatal injuries. Different speeds of vehicles entering or exiting an intersection can cause problems with drivers misjudging distances and speed, leaving little room for error
- Visibility: Parked cars, trucks, and stormy weather can limit visibility. Due to this lack of information, drivers may make false assumptions about the traffic and what other drivers may do. A driver may enter an intersection or make a turn thinking it’s clear to do so, but it’s not
- Distracted driving: Inattentive driving and distractions such as texting or using a mobile phone can be hazardous. Drivers need to focus and be alert to navigate intersection traffic safely
- Inadequate signage or poor road design: Poorly designed intersections or inadequate signage can contribute to confusion among drivers, leading to misunderstandings about the right of way or lane usage. Poor lighting or pooling water because of insufficient drainage can make a bad situation worse
- Weather conditions: Rain, snow, or fog may complicate the situation, especially if the intersection is poorly designed or maintained. Reduced visibility and slippery road conditions increase the likelihood of accidents
- Failure to obey traffic signals and signs: Disregarding traffic signals, stop, and other signs can lead to severe accidents, especially if combined with high-speed
Often, multiple factors mix and cause intersection accidents.
Which Orange County Intersections are Dangerous?
The Santa Monica Mirror lists the following:
- Chapman Avenue and Harbor Boulevard
There have been 78 crashes in this Fullerton intersection since 2010, injuring 67. The city’s intersections are some of the most dangerous in Orange County. They’ve been the sites of more than 4,380 crashes, injuring 4,215 and killing 22.
- Euclid Street and Orangethorpe Avenue
There have been 72 collisions, leaving 74 people injured, but no fatalities. Most crashes are caused by drivers failing to yield the right of way, traffic conditions, and distracted driving.
- Alicia Parkway and Jeronimo Road
This Mission Viejo intersection has had more than 66 crashes. In 2022, a nine-car crash injured five people and left one in critical condition.
- 17th Street and Fairview Street
This area in Santa Ana is heavily used by pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists traveling between bus stops, their homes, and shopping malls. This heavy traffic makes this one of the county’s most dangerous intersections.
Aaron Hicks is an Attorney You Can Trust
If another party causes a vehicle accident at an intersection and you or a loved one are injured, Aaron Hicks at the Hicks Law Firm will help in any way he can. He is an experienced car accident attorney representing clients throughout Southern California and Orange County, including Costa Mesa, Irvine, Tustin, Newport Beach, Anaheim and Huntington Beach.
Aaron Hicks has represented many injured plaintiffs in Orange County and looks forward to helping you, too. Call us at 949-541-9944 or complete our online contact form so our team of lawyers may discuss your claim.
Aaron Hicks is a civil trial attorney and founder of Hicks Law Firm, based in Orange County with offices in San Diego and Tennessee. His practice includes representing plaintiffs in personal injury cases including motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, dog bites and wrongful death. Mr. Hicks is and AV Rated attorney, Super Lawyer and is currently on the Board of Directors of the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association where he serves as 1st Vice President.
