Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers | September 10, 2025 | Car Accidents
Intersections in The Woodlands and throughout the country can be dangerous places for motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Despite efforts some cities have made to improve safety at these locations, approximately one-quarter of all traffic-related fatalities and one-half of vehicle crash-related injuries happen at intersections.
The Woodlands and other communities can modify intersections and improve safety by adding street lights, improving traffic signals, and enhancing visibility. However, individual drivers can also take steps to reduce the likelihood of crashes. Simple precautions made when approaching and driving through intersections can protect you from a needless collision.
Risks Associated With Intersections
An intersection is a location where two or more streets with vehicles traveling in different directions converge at a single point. This alone creates a dangerous situation because:
- Vehicles are moving past one another in close proximity.
- Drivers must always be mindful of right-of-way rules.
- There are many things drivers must simultaneously focus on, such as traffic lights, signs, other road users, and their own movements.
- Motorists must often anticipate and presume what other people will do, which can be challenging in the moment.
The risks associated with any intersection are compounded if the intersection is poorly lit, has malfunctioning traffic lights, or is uncontrolled. Intersections with three or more streets converging at one location can also increase the danger for motorists and others who must navigate them.
Safety Tips For Approaching Intersections In Texas
Car accidents at intersections are not inevitable, no matter an intersection’s design or safety features. You cannot control others’ choices behind the wheel; nonetheless, your own decisions can still have a positive effect and make a crash less likely to happen. Three tips to keep in mind are as follows:
Put Away All Distractions
You should not be driving while texting anyway, but you must put these distractions aside when approaching an intersection. This will allow you to focus on the traffic and take immediate action in an emergency. Encourage your passengers to remain quiet and turn down your stereo, too, so you can focus on your surroundings.
Obey All Traffic Lights And Signs
As you come upon an intersection, pay attention to signs indicating if there are traffic lights or signs or if the intersection is unregulated. If red lights, stop signs, or other signage are present, fully comply with their directions. Do not try to “beat” yellow lights, and come to a complete stop at stop signs rather than “rolling” through them.
Commit Basic Right-Of-Way Rules To Memory
Right-of-way laws in Texas are crucial to intersection safety because they describe who gets to proceed through an intersection ahead of other traffic. Drivers assume that other motorists, pedestrians, and road users know and will follow these rules, and crashes can happen when people forget or refuse to follow them. Some of the most important rules to remember are:
- Pedestrians and bicyclists in crosswalks should be given the right-of-way.
- The driver who arrives at an intersection first generally has the right-of-way.
- When two drivers arrive from opposing directions, the driver proceeding straight has the right of way over a driver who is turning left.
- When more than one driver arrives at an intersection at the same time, the driver to your right has the right-of-way.
The overriding rule, though, is this: where stop lights or traffic lights are present, these govern the movement of traffic and should be obeyed.
Intersections Are Dangerous, But Do Not Need To Be
Intersections need not be dangerous places to drive; however, because drivers can be distracted, impaired, or in a hurry, they often are the sites of serious or fatal crashes. Knowing this, approach all intersections with caution and be aware of any traffic control signs or lights that are present. Follow the right-of-way laws, and you can proceed safely on your way.
Contact Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers For A Free Consultation With A Car Accident Lawyer In The Woodlands
If you’ve been injured in an intersection crash in The Woodlands, TX, don’t wait to seek legal assistance. Contact Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation with a car accident attorney in The Woodlands.
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About the Author
Attorney Brian White is the founding partner of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers in Houston, TX. A graduate of Texas A&M University and South Texas College of Law, he is Board Certified in Personal Injury Trial Law — a distinction held by only a small percentage of Texas attorneys, with years of experience handling a wide range of personal injury cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, maritime injuries, wrongful death, and more. He is dedicated to thorough preparation, strong advocacy, and helping accident victims secure the compensation they deserve.
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