Every Portland resident has their favorite spots. It could be a weekend brunch at one of the many eateries on Mississippi Avenue or taking in a beer flight at one of the breweries over in the St. Johns neighborhood. For the late-night crowd, nothing beats a stop at Cartopia to sample one of the many food cart pods.
Just as there are many favorite spots, there are also a few more areas that aren’t high on the list of where to go. That would include the 5 Portland Intersections with a higher crash risk. Although you might not be able to avoid these intersections, you might consider exercising even more defensive driving.
There are 5 Portland intersections that have the most crashes:
- SE Foster Road and I-205 Freeway Ramp: 57 total crashes resulting in 54 injuries and 2 deaths.
- NE Halsey Street and 122nd Avenue: 75 total crashes resulting in 63 injuries and 1 death.
- NE Glisan Street and I-84 Freeway Ramp: 78 total crashes resulting in 94 injuries.
- N Vancouver Avenue and Weilder Street: 47 total crashes resulting in 30 injuries and 1 death.
- NE Glisan Street and 82nd Avenue: 56 total crashes resulting in 49 injuries and 1 death.
Intersections are where most accidents occur. That usually happens when a reckless driver races through a red light, trying to save themselves from waiting for an additional minute. That single action can upend so many lives. When an accident like that occurs, the victims are entitled to see compensation for any losses.
If you’ve been caught up in an intersection accident, A skilled Portland car accident lawyer can help navigate the claims process to ensure that you receive the maximum benefits you’re entitled.
Portland’s High Crash Network and Road Safety Action Plan
The city of Portland recognizes that several roads and intersections are dangerous.
Recent data has identified 30 streets and intersections that make up just 8% of Portland streets but account for 67% of all traffic fatalities. These are part of the High Crash Network, and they are the areas that draw the most attention.
Based on the data, over $193 million has been spent on safety investments on the High Crash Network since 2017. Those investments have included things like new signage warning drivers and pedestrians of the risks, traffic cameras, and public awareness campaigns. There has even been a concerted effort to reduce the speed limit in certain high-crash areas.
How to Avoid Car Accidents
Knowing that you’re approaching a high-crash intersection should make you more cautious. However, you should treat every green light and stop sign with caution. Before you enter an intersection, you need to look left, right, and left again. Don’t assume that approaching drivers won’t try to run those red lights.
You can adopt the following defensive driving tips to reduce the risk of accidents.
Anticipate Other Drivers
You should always assume other drivers might make dangerous mistakes. Don’t trust a driver’s turn signal, and constantly be on the lookout for erratic behavior.
Keep Your Distance
Maintaining a safe braking distance can help keep you out of a rear-end collision. Try to apply the 3-second rule. That is when you pick a stationary object that the car ahead of you passes. Then, count “one-one-thousand, two-one-thousand…” before your car reaches the same spot. If you get to the spot sooner, you need to slow down to increase the braking distance.
Eliminate Distractions
To avoid distractions while driving, you should enable the “Do Not Disturb” setting on your phone. You can also put it in the back seat.
Pre-set Navigation and Climate
Before you put your car in gear, be sure to program your GPS, adjust your mirrors, and set your radio. You want to reduce any distraction.
Adjust to Conditions
When the weather shifts, you need to adjust your driving. That means slowing down when driving in the rain, fog, snow, and high winds.
Watch for Pedestrians and Cyclists
Just as you have to be on the lookout for other drivers’ actions, you also have to anticipate the actions of cyclists and pedestrians. That is especially true in residential areas, school zones, and busy intersections.
Manage Blind Spots
Check your mirrors before every lane change. That means always turning your head to look over your shoulder into your blind spot.
Maintain Your Vehicle
In addition to your defensive driving, you also need to be proactive with maintaining your vehicle. You need to regularly inspect your tire treads and brake pads. Worn-out tires drastically increase your stopping distance on wet roads. Be sure to replace your old windshield wiper blades. Also, ensure your headlights and taillights are clean and fully functional.
How a Car Accident Attorney Helps After a Crash at a Dangerous Intersection
You’ve probably driven through intersections thousands of times without incident.
Sadly, it only takes one reckless driver racing through an intersection to upend your life. If you’re left with a wrecked car and injuries after an intersection crash, you’re going to be overwhelmed.
You need to deal with seeing a doctor, getting treatment, and missing time from work. You also have to get estimates from mechanics and look for replacement rides. If your car was totaled, you now need to go shopping for a new one, which is even more stressful. As all of this unfolds, your finances are under strain. This is why you need a fast resolution for any insurance claim.
The Dozier Law Group can help with that goal.
When we agree to work with a client, we’ll step in to conduct a thorough investigation, including gathering all relevant evidence. After we’ve confirmed who is to blame and how you were impacted, we’ll negotiate with the insurance company of the at-fault driver.
We want to help our clients get the maximum compensation they’re entitled to as quickly as possible.
All of this support begins with a free consultation with the Dozier Law Group. At that first discussion, our attorneys can answer your questions and discuss what should happen next.
Reach out to schedule your consultation today.