South Florida’s Deadliest Intersections

Several factors make for a dangerous intersection. The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health reports that fatalities are more likely to occur at intersections where dense traffic allows little room for error while driving.

Additional possible hazards include:

• High numbers of motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
• Poor visibility.
• Little signage or unclear road instructions.

These are just three of the many causes why an intersection may be home to a disproportionate number of accidents and resulting injuries.

Know the Deadliest Intersections in South Florida

According to Local 10 News in Florida, the deadliest intersections in South Florida include:

• South Beach, Miami: Alton Road and Dade Boulevard
• Pembroke Pines: Pines Boulevard and South Flamingo Road
• Fort Lauderdale: A1A and Las Olas
• Miami: Northeast 2nd Avenue and 36th Street

The Miami New Times adds other intersections to its “most dangerous list.”

They include:

• Coconut Grove and Coral Gables: South Dixie Highway (and several intersections that lie south of Interstate 95)
• South Miami-Dade: Southwest 117th Avenue and 152nd Street
• Doral: Northwest 87th Street and 36th Street

These intersections are dangerous for different reasons, from roads being unequipped to handle the density of traffic to many other factors in between.

Elements That Make an Intersection Dangerous

Some of the most common causes of dangerous intersections include:

• Traffic. A high number of vehicles in any intersection means a greater risk of cars colliding. Traffic can be especially hazardous in the event of a broken traffic signal or patterns that do not allow for a steady flow of drivers.
• Poor management of traffic flows. This can be due to an intersection having too few lanes for the number of cars on the road, lights that do not logically change, or unclear signage.
• Poor visibility. Intersections, where a driver has their vision blocked, may lead to an excessive number of drivers pulling into oncoming traffic.
• Non-motorists. A prevalence of bike riders, walkers, and other pedestrians can increase the likelihood of an accident. There should be sidewalks or crosswalks that allow for vehicles and non-motorists to both utilize public roads.
• Poor lighting. After the sun goes down, motorists need the guidance of streetlights to ensure proper visibility.

If you are in a collision and any of these structural impairments played a role in your accident, you may be able to pursue damages from the government agency or municipality responsible for the intersection’s maintenance.

Human Behavior Can Make an Intersection Dangerous—or Safe

The most dangerous threat to drivers at an intersection is other motorists. There are few things more frightening than the driver of a multi-thousand-pound vehicle operating in a way that is careless or reckless.

The following behaviors threaten the safety of both drivers and pedestrians, including:

• Ignoring traffic signals, which can include running red lights and turning when it is not permitted.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Driving in an aggressive manner, which may lead to rear-end collisions and other hazards.
• Driving at high speeds.
• Being inattentive to the road also referred to as “distracted driving.”

Conversely, drivers and pedestrians also have the ability to reduce the danger of somebody being injured or killed at a given intersection.

They can reduce the risk of an accident by:

• Taking special care to look out for bicyclists, pedestrians crossing the street, and other vehicles before proceeding through a light.
• Never taking a risk that could put another person in danger.
• Not riding a bicycle in the road outside of a designated bike lane.
• Walking in crosswalks.

The stakes could not be higher when an accident occurs––it could mean the difference between life and death. If you were injured or lost a loved one in an accident, whether at a dangerous intersection or elsewhere, you should consider taking legal action.

Lawyers Can Help Car Accident Victims

When somebody is injured or killed in an accident at a dangerous intersection or elsewhere, a lawyer will attempt to obtain compensation for the party who was harmed.

If you or a loved one were injured, a lawyer can:

• Investigate the circumstances of your accident.
• Determine if negligence was the cause of your injuries or loved one’s death.
• Bring legal action against the party who was negligent.
• Oversee your legal case from start to finish.
• Negotiate for the compensation for which you are entitled.

Speaking directly with a legal professional can help you understand additional services a lawyer can provide.

Call Our Team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Today

All intersections, regardless if they are considered dangerous or not, need to be treated with caution. If you were harmed or are currently grieving the loss of a loved one because of a motorist’s negligence, our team wants to help. Call Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers today at (855) 529-0269 for a free consultation.