The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has recently targeted intersections as one of the most dangerous locations for US drivers. The most recent numbers from the Kentucky State Police demonstrate the same risk of an accident in a Shepherdsville or Bullitt County Intersection. Why should you be concerned when approaching any intersection as a driver in Jefferson, Bullitt, Hardin, Spencer, Shelby, and Oldham counties in Kentucky? What should you do if you suffer injuries in a car accident at an intersection in the greater Louisville region?
FHWA data clearly shows that half of all traffic-related injuries occur in or near an intersection. Intersection accidents are responsible for almost 25% of motor vehicle deaths here in Kentucky and across the United States. A recent Kentucky Transportation Center report (2023) showed more than 37,000 intersection collisions in the Commonwealth for the most recent study year, representing 31% of all motor vehicle collisions, more than 84% of which occurred in “dry” conditions with good visibility.
There are many reasons to be alert to avoid an accident in a Shepherdsville or Bullitt County intersection. Accident figures across most studies show that the highest number of injuries, serious injuries, and fatalities occur at or near an intersection.
The good news is that there have been substantial advances in safety features, restraints, and technology to help Kentucky drivers reduce the likelihood of injury in many motor vehicle collisions. However, seeing a doctor for a thorough examination after any motor vehicle collision is important, even if the impact occurs at a relatively low speed. Why is it important to see a doctor, even if you feel that you are uninjured after a car, truck, or motorcycle accident?
Many forces lash the body in multiple directions (often at once) during the microseconds of impact. The head, neck, torso, arms, and legs can be violently lashed in opposing directions based upon the type of impact, restraints in the vehicle, and the speed of each vehicle at collision. These forces can inflict serious soft tissue injury to the neck and back, even in low-speed impacts. It can take weeks or even months for the body to show any symptoms. This is why a thorough examination is so important after any motor vehicle accident in a Shepherdsville or Bullitt County intersection.
There are too many reasons for the motor vehicle intersection collisions throughout Kentucky to list here. Distraction, speed, and failure to anticipate the actions of other drivers are a few of the most common. Is reducing the odds of becoming injured in an intersection-related accident possible? Awareness is always a factor when evaluating ways to increase safety and reduce the likelihood of injury. It is essential to reduce speed when approaching any intersection, and to look for or anticipate unexpected actions from the other drivers with whom you share the road. Finally, take steps to eliminate any distractions within your vehicle, limit cell phone activity, texting, or any other behaviors that might take your eyes off the road ahead, even for a second.
We invite you to contact us via e-mail, schedule an appointment or call us today at (502) 509-1490 to get the important advice and counsel required to protect your personal injury claim and achieve full and fair compensation for having to endure and recover from your injuries.
