Why Do Car Accidents Frequently Happen at Certain Intersections?
Many factors make some intersections in Savannah more dangerous than others, including: Poorly Designed Roadways Unfortunately, Savannah has several areas where poor roadway design contributes to collisions. For example, narrow lanes make drivers more likely to collide because there is little leeway to avoid a crash when one driver changes lanes abruptly or drifts into another lane. One intersection with significant traffic engineering issues is Chatham Parkway and Interstate 16. All of I-16 is particularly dangerous because of its design. In fact, some call it the Devil’s Highway. This road carries much more traffic than intended. Its design did not account for Savannah’s growth, and consequentially, accidents happen frequently on this road. Complicated Intersections In Savannah’s commercial areas, intersections can be especially complex. Red lights, turn signals, and other traffic lights regulate traffic patterns, but this can be difficult to navigate for drivers unfamiliar with the area. The most confusing intersections also tend to occur in high-traffic areas, increasing the crash risk. For example, consider the intersection of White Bluff and Abercorn Street near Oglethorpe Mall. This area is extremely crowded, and several lanes of traffic come from many directions. Lane markers are not always clear. They are often difficult to see because of other cars. All these factors combine to make it one of the most dangerous intersections in the city. Another example is also on Abercorn Street, just across the river, where it intersects with King George Boulevard. Not only are there very narrow lanes, but there is near-constant construction that leaves cones and barrels along the roadway, lanes closed, and other distractions and hazards. Areas With Heavy Traffic There are frequent accidents in areas where traffic is often heavy. Congestion not only creates more opportunities for cars to collide, but it is often nerve-wracking, confusing, and distracting for drivers. All these factors contribute to collisions, too. According to the Associated Press, Savannah is one of the fastest-growing areas in the state. This is no surprise to anyone trying to commute in the city today versus 20 years ago. Roads designed to hold the population of the 1980s, 1990s, or even early 2000s now face significant issues because of the high traffic volume. One example is the intersection of Chatham Parkway and Interstate 16. While much of I-16 has traffic congestion issues, this exit backs up regularly. Collisions regularly occur at this intersection, both on the interstate and Chatham Parkway. Places Where Speeding Is Easy Sometimes, drivers are tempted to break the speed limit because it’s easy. When other traffic seems to be moving much faster than the signs allow, it is almost contagious. However, the speed limit is what it is for a reason. Driving excessively fast in these areas can lead to dangerous circumstances and crashes. One example of this occurs on Lynes Parkway/I-526. Too many drivers ignore the speed limit signs, which set a 45 to 55-mile-per-hour limit on most of the seven-mile road. They move at high speeds despite the at-grade intersections and even a school zone. There are many collisions at these intersections and on-ramps.