Driving Safely around Corners and Intersections in the Tampa, Florida Area

Turning corners and navigating through intersections present many dangerous situations for drivers in the Tampa, Florida area. Due to limited visibility and traffic coming from all directions, drivers are vulnerable to any number of accident situations as they approach an intersection. From being “t-boned” while driving through a green light to being sideswiped while trying to make a right turn, intersections and corners are full of risks.

By being a defensive driver, you can reduce some of your risk at intersections and corners. First, before you make a right turn, stop and look. To ensure that the way is clear, look left, then right, then left again before you pull out. If the view to your left is obstructed, use even more care by rolling slowly through the turn. Be prepared for oncoming traffic and do not fully make the turn until you are sure the way is clear.

If you wish to go straight through an intersection, it is also important to make sure there is no traffic coming from either direction. A green light is no guarantee that the way is clear. Further, most accidents in intersections occur within a couple seconds of a light change. Because of this, when the light first turns green, you don't want to treat it like a NASCAR race. If you are the first car in line at a stop light, protect yourself by staying 10-15 feet behind the intersection. That way, when your light turns green, you have a little cushion to pull forward before you enter the intersection.

Leaving yourself a cushion ahead of your car can also reduce the risk of being hit from behind at an intersection and then being pushed into the car in front of you. As you are waiting for your turn to go, you can remain watchful of the cars behind you that may not be paying attention. Anytime you feel like the car behind you may not stop in time, you will have a few feet ahead of your car to pull forward and hopefully avoid a rear-end accident.

If you have been injured by a negligent driver, either while turning a corner or driving through an intersection in the Tampa area, make sure to contact a Tampa car accident attorney to learn your rights. The Law Offices of Dale Appell, P.A. offers a free initial consultation to accident victims throughout the greater Tampa Bay area. Please call or e-mail us to learn more.