In Oregon, 38% of fatal or serious-injury crashes occur at intersections, according to the DMV. The top contributors are failure to yield the right of way, disregarded signal, alcohol or other drugs, driver inattention, passed stop sign, and failure to avoid the vehicle ahead.
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When we study these factors, we can see an opportunity for us to reduce our chances of a crash at an intersection. Some proactive choices we can make are:
- Try to take routes that do not require us to make a more hazardous left turn. If someone else is making a left turn in front of us, we should be prepared in case they do not see us.
- Keep enough distance from a stopped car in front of us to be able to escape if someone is about to hit us from behind.
- If we are at a signalized intersection and are the first car in line, do not go immediately when the light turns green. Look both ways first.
- At intersections without any stop signs (uncontrolled), assume other cars will not stop, even though you may technically have the right of way because you are the driver on the right.
- Look both ways, even on one-way streets. Sometimes bicyclists or other vehicles are going the wrong way.
- When driving on a through street, carefully watch all vehicles approaching an intersection. Sometimes people are not paying attention and will plow right through a stop sign or a traffic signal.
- Pedestrians and bicyclists are also killed at intersections. We must look more than once at all intersections to make sure there are no pedestrians or bicyclists present.
- Do not assume that, because you have the right of way, people will respect the law.
People often pull into an intersection to wait to make a left turn. In some states this is legal; however, in Oregon it is not. You must be able to complete the turn.
Another common problem is the tendency not to turn into the nearest lane when turning at an intersection. I recently went on a ride-along with a Newberg-Dundee Police Department officer, and he stated this is one of the most common rule violations he sees. This is illegal because it can be extremely hazardous: Someone may be turning into the lane you are illegally entering.
Roundabouts are a good thing. There is extreme resistance to roundabouts among some people. This is understandable; however, the alternative is a four-way stop. The problem with four-way stops is that a lack of attention causes people not to go when they should or to go when they shouldn’t. As a result, frustration and stress levels increase. AARP describes roundabouts as a traffic-calming device. Learning and applying the rules of roundabouts will decrease your stress over time.
Driving takes all of our attention. By reducing distractions, whether they be our own minds wandering or external influences such as talking on a cellphone, we can substantially reduce the risk of a crash at an intersection. Please drive safely.
Steve Boyles is an AARP-certified driving instructor who offers classes both online and in person. In-person classes are held monthly in Newberg and McMinnville. To register, contact the Chehalem Senior Center at (503) 537-9404 or the McMinnville Senior Center at (503) 435-0407. Classes cost $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members.
