Many accidents occur in Alabama intersections. Dangerous situations happen because drivers are unaware of how to proceed safely in relation to other vehicles on the road. It can be difficult to know whose turn it is to proceed while driving through intersections in Alabama, so if you’ve been involved in a traffic collision, contact a skilled car accident lawyer today. An attorney can help you determine who is legally liable and hold that party responsible for your losses.
For a free case consultation, call Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. today at (205) 933-1500, or reach out through our online form.
Intersection Driving Tips
It’s important to remember the different ways to keep yourself and other motorists safe while traveling through Alabama intersections, including:
Know the Right of Way Laws
When driving in an intersection, it’s important to know the right of way laws of for the city or town you are traveling through. For example:
- Emergency vehicles always have the right of way on the road.
- When two cars approach an intersection at the same time and there are no signals, the vehicle to the right has the right of way.
- Vehicles turning from private roads or driveways must yield to cars on public roads.
- When facing a yield sign, you must allow pedestrians to have the right of way.
- People who are blind and carrying a red-tipped cane or walking with a guide dog always have the right of way.
Approach the Intersection Carefully
While driving up to an intersection, you should carefully look out for other cars. Be aware of blind spots and places where it is difficult to see other cars approaching. You should use your signal when driving through intersections to let others know of your intentions. Look in all directions when approaching and sitting in an intersection, even if you believe you have the right of way.
Recognize the Flashing Yellow Arrow Campaign
Alabama began the Flashing Yellow Arrow Campaign in 2015 to make intersections more efficient. In locations targeted by this campaign, the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) set up traffic lights with flashing yellow arrows. The yellow arrow indicates to drivers that they may turn, but should first yield to oncoming traffic and pedestrians.
Use Stop Signs Appropriately
When roads meet, ALDOT often uses stop signs to direct traffic. Keep the following in mind when using stop signs in intersections:
- You should stop behind any painted line on the road or the end of the curb.
- If there is more than one stop sign, whoever reaches the stop sign first has the right of way.
- People at yield signs have right of way to those at stop signs.
- People with no traffic signal or direction do not have to stop and have right of way to individuals at stop signs.
- You should wait at a stop sign for several seconds and look in all directions before proceeding through it.
Traffic Light Safety
Many heavily-traveled intersections have lights to guide vehicles through them. If you approach a traffic light with green, yellow, and red lights, you should keep the following in mind:
- Look all ways even after your light turns green.
- Slow down and use caution when proceeding through a yellow light.
- If the yellow light is blinking, you should treat it as a yield sign.
- If the red light is blinking, you should treat it as a stop sign.
- Wait for an arrow to turn left, or wait for oncoming traffic to clear.
- If the traffic light is not working, treat the intersection as if it has stop signs in all directions.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer for Help Today
Driving through intersections can be dangerous. However, by understanding Alabama laws and appropriate safety techniques, you can work to prevent an accident from even occurring. If you have been involved in an incident that was caused by someone else’s negligent or reckless behavior, contact a car accident lawyer from Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. at (205) 933-1500 to schedule a free, initial evaluation of your case.
