Aside from having some of the country’s busiest and most congested streets, Los Angeles also has the notoriety of having some of the most dangerous intersections.
In fact, of the 50 largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas as defined by the U.S. Census, Los Angeles is ranked as having the worst intersections in America. Bottlenecks abound in L.A. and standstills are common around the southbound 101 freeway, especially near Vermont Avenue and as you head further south toward downtown.
Most Dangerous Intersections in and Around Los Angeles
Here are some of the busiest and most dangerous intersections in Los Angeles and surrounding cities:
- Corner of Parthenia Street and Reseda Boulevard in Northridge (Los Angeles County)
- Brookhurst Street and Adams Avenue in Huntington Beach (Orange County)
- Interstate 5 near SR 94 in San Diego
Most crashes, fender-benders, and rollovers happen in intersections because traffic not only goes both ways but also from left to right. A lot of these accidents often happen because of failure to follow traffic signs and signals, failure to yield to right of way, speeding, and tailgating.
Avoiding Accidents
As 1/3 of all motor vehicle crashes occur at intersections, here are some tips to follow when driving through intersections:
- As you approach an intersection, decrease your speed and be aware of any incoming traffic, yield signs, stop signs, traffic lights, and nearby bicyclists and pedestrians.
- When going through a controlled intersection (meaning, one with traffic control signs and signals), drive carefully at a steady speed when the green light is on. If the light is yellow and you cannot stop safely, drive through the intersection.
- When approaching an intersection on a main road and the road beyond is blocked with traffic, do not enter the intersection until the traffic ahead clears. Take note however, that this is not applicable if you are turning left or right.
- When facing a yield sign, slow down or stop if necessary.
- In uncontrolled intersections where there are no signs or traffic lights, drive with extreme caution.
- Remember that drivers on the left side must let the driver on the right go first.
- When turning or entering a road from a private road or driveway, drivers should yield to vehicles on the road and pedestrians on the sidewalk.
Intersection accidents can be easily avoided if drivers and motorists learn to follow traffic rules and signals and be respectful on the road by yielding the right-of-way.
Options for Those Injured by Negligence
Should you be involved in an intersection accident despite being a careful and diligent driver and following the above-mentioned tips, the crash is most likely caused by the fault of another, negligent, party. If you were injured or suffered heavy property damage because of a reckless or negligent driver while crossing the intersection, you may file a personal injury claim or a small claims complaint against him. Intersections are only made dangerous because of the motorists on the road.
