What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Bloomington?

The five most dangerous intersections in Bloomington, Illinois, are Empire Street and Veterans Parkway, Washington Street and Veterans Parkway, Clearwater and Veterans Parkway, Oakland Avenue and Veterans Parkway, and Morrissey Drive at Veterans Parkway. These intersections are all located in high-traffic areas. They also have heavy traffic volume, multiple lanes of traffic, busy pedestrian activity, poor visibility, and a lack of traffic control devices that contribute to their high accident rates.

Get a Bloomington car accident lawyer involved as soon as possible if you suffered serious injuries in an accident caused by another person at an intersection. A lawyer will carefully look at your case details to determine whether you have a valid car accident claim or lawsuit against the other party.

Your car accident lawyer will further investigate your case, obtain as much evidence as possible, and walk you through all the steps of holding the liable party financially accountable for your injuries, accident-related expenses, and other losses. Your lawyer will also advise you on what to settle for after getting hit by a car.

What Is an Intersection?

An intersection is where two or more roads meet or cross. Traffic signals, stop signs, or yield signs control intersections. The most common type of intersection in the United States is a stop sign-controlled intersection.

The Bloomington Department of Public Works is in charge of managing intersections in Bloomington, Illinois. The department is responsible for maintaining and repairing all city streets, including intersections. It also works with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to manage intersections on state highways.

The city enhances intersection safety by conducting traffic studies to identify and address safety concerns and install traffic-calming measures like speed bumps and narrower lanes. It also upgrades traffic signals and signage and educates motorists and pedestrians about intersection safety.

Most Dangerous Intersections in Bloomington

The City of Bloomington maintains a list of the most dangerous intersections in the city. It updates this list annually to prioritize safety improvements. The most dangerous intersections in this city include:

• Washington Street at Veterans Parkway
• Clearwater and Veterans Parkway
• Oakland Avenue and Veterans Parkway
• Morrissey Drive at Veterans Parkway
• Empire Street and Veterans Parkway
• Veterans Parkway and Parkway Plaza
• Von Maur and Veterans Parkway
• Linden Street at Vernon Avenue
• College Avenue at Main Street
• Fort Jesse Road at Veterans Parkway

Causes of Accidents at Intersections

Car accidents happen at intersections more commonly than in any other part of the road. In fact, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that over 50% of all injury and fatal accidents happen at or close to intersections. The factors increasing accident risks at intersections include but are not limited to the following:

Driver Error

Driver error is any action or inaction by a driver that contributes to an accident. Some common examples of driver error include running a red light, failing to yield the right of way, speeding, driving while distracted, and driving under the influence.

Poor Visibility

Some of the most dangerous intersections have poor visibility, especially at night or in bad weather. Poor visibility can make it hard for drivers to see other vehicles and pedestrians, increasing the risk of an accident.

Defective Traffic Signals

Faulty traffic signals can confuse drivers and cause them to make mistakes. Poorly timed traffic signals can also contribute to rear-end and T-bone accidents, as drivers may not have enough time to clear the intersection before the light turns red.

Drivers may get tempted to run a red light if they think they will make it through the intersection before the light turns red. They may also be confused about when it is safe to proceed through an intersection with traffic.

Road Design

Poorly designed intersections can increase the risk of accidents. In particular, intersections with poor sight lines can make it hard to see other vehicles, and those with narrow lanes can make it hard for vehicles to pass each other safely.

Pedestrians and Cyclists

Pedestrians and cyclists also elevate the risks of intersection accidents. Drivers must be careful when turning or changing lanes at an intersection, as they may not see pedestrians or cyclists crossing the road.

The Most Common Types of Accidents That Occur at Intersections

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are the most common type of intersection accidents. They often happen when drivers are driving too closely or not paying attention to the road.

Angle Collisions

Angle collisions refer to the collision of two vehicles. They occur when drivers run red lights or intentionally fail to yield the right of way.

Sideswipe Accident

A sideswipe accident may occur when two vehicles collide while traveling in the same direction. This accident often occurs when drivers change lanes without looking or paying attention to their surroundings.

Head-on Collisions

Head-on collisions also make it to the list of the most serious type of intersection accidents. They often happen when drivers drive on the wrong side of the road or cross the center line.

The following tips can help reduce your risks of getting into an accident at intersections:

• Obey all traffic laws, including traffic signals and speed limits.
• Pay attention to the road and be aware of your surroundings.
• Do not drive while distracted.
• Be careful when turning or changing lanes at an intersection.
• Yield the right of way to pedestrians and cyclists.
• If you see an accident about to happen, take evasive action if possible.

Stay calm and call the police if you get into a crash at an intersection. If you have sustained an injury (or injuries), get medical assistance before beginning the insurance claims process.

What Makes These Intersections So Dangerous?

Heavy Traffic

The busier an intersection, the likelier it is for accidents to happen. The reason is that the more vehicles are on the road, the harder it is for drivers to see and react to each other.

Poor Visibility

Intersections with poor visibility, especially those located at the bottom of a hill or around a curve, are more likely to be the scene of accidents. Drivers may not see oncoming traffic until it is too late.

Inadequate Signage

Inadequate signage also makes intersections dangerous. Intersections with inadequate signage, such as those that do not have clear traffic signals or lane markings, can cause accidents. Drivers may not know what to do, leading to confusion and collisions.

Distracted Driving

When drivers are distracted by their devices or other passengers, they are less likely to pay attention to the road.

Aggressive Driving

Aggressive driving, such as speeding, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic, can also increase the risk of accidents at intersections. When drivers are driving aggressively, they are highly likely to make mistakes and less likely to react to unexpected situations.